The start was less than ideal for Tennessee in Starkville. The Volunteers knew they had a tough test ahead at ‘The Hump,’ and the Bulldogs didn’t disappoint early. Mississippi State controlled this one early, racing out to a 35-22 lead at halftime.
Mississippi State was hitting shots and playing aggressive defense. Tennessee could hardly even hold on the ball, seemingly. The Volunteers turned it over ten times in the first half, as the Bulldogs suffocated Tennessee seemingly every possession down the stretch of the first half.
Tolu Smith, who just recently returned from injury, was everything for the Bulldogs early on.