Team Spotlight

Mississippi State (20-8)

Not much has been said about Mississippi State this year but they are currently second in the SEC and clinch the 2nd seed in the conference tournament. The Bulldogs started slowly early in the season winning only 5 of their first 10 games which put them in a huge RPI hole. Since then they've gone 15-3 and are now in the 40's for RPI. Mississippi State is led by Jamont Gordon, a guard who averages 17+ points and is complimented by two other guards who rotate between the 1-3 positions. Ben Hanbrough, the only reason to hate this team averges 10+ while Barry Stewert averages 12. Although they run a 3 guard system, they are are not deficient in the post (unlike a team that rhymes with Arqette). Charles Rhodes, a 6-8 forward averages 16 and 7 while 6-9 center Jarvis Vernado averages 8 and 8 to go with his almost 5 blocks per game.
Although they have been playing well lately and their RPI is climbing, unless they win the SEC tournament their ceiling is going to be a 6 seed and more than likely a 7-8. With that seed and the talent they have they have the potential to give a 1 or 2 fits in the second round.