No. 8 Mississippi St. beats Savannah St. 92-25
STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) No. 8 Mississippi State bulldozed its way to another blowout win Sunday, taking control just a few minutes after tipoff and cruising to a 92-25 victory over Savannah State.
It's the fourth straight game the Bulldogs have won by at least 58 points.
The carefree romps might be fun, but Mississippi State coach Vic Schaefer said there's only so much to be learned when playing against obviously inferior opponents.
''Now it's time to see how we stack up against the big girls,'' Schaefer said.
He'll get his wish Wednesday when the Bulldogs (5-0) travel to face No. 8 Texas, which is tied with Mississippi State in the national rankings.
''I think everyone wants to know how good we are and I think we're going to get an opportunity to see,'' Schaefer said. ''Texas beating Tennessee in Knoxville I'm sure will get my kids attention.''
Mississippi State looked pretty good in its final tuneup before facing the Longhorns. Victoria Vivians, a sophomore guard, scored a season-high 27 points by going 10 of 18 from the field, including three 3-pointers. Kayla Nevitt scored 12 points and Morgan William had a career-high 11 assists.
''We share the basketball extremely well,'' Schaefer said. ''Today, 27 assists on 31 made baskets - that's awfully friendly.''
It was another lopsided victory for the Bulldogs, who have won by an average of nearly 56 points in their five games. Mississippi State led 20-5 at the end of the first quarter and 48-12 at halftime.
Vivians' efficient shooting performance is something that will likely need to continue if Mississippi State wants to beat Texas. She was the team's leading scorer last season as a freshman, but shot just 36.8 percent from the field.
''I did a lot of settling last year,'' Vivians said. ''Like coach says, there are good shots and great shots. Make the extra pass for the great shot.''
Savannah State (1-3) shot just 8 of 47 from the field (17 percent) and had 27 turnovers. The Lady Tigers were led by Chelsea Frazier's eight points.
Savannah State managed just two field goals in 19 attempts in the first half, and had 17 turnovers before the break.
Mississippi State had a good day beyond the arc, making 11 of 22 (50 percent) of its 3-pointers. The Bulldogs were also 19 of 23 (82.6 percent) on free throws and outrebounded the Lady Tigers 52-32.
TIP-INS
Mississippi State: The Bulldogs earned their 50th home win at Humphrey Coliseum under fourth-year coach Vic Schaefer. Mississippi State has a 50-11 record over that span, including a 35-2 non-conference mark.
Savannah State: This was the third straight game against SEC opponents for the Lady Tigers, who also lost to Auburn 62-40 and Florida 99-34.
UP NEXT
Mississippi State travels to face No. 8 Texas on Wednesday.
Savannah State hosts Georgia Southern on Wednesday.
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