Tolu Smith turns in strong return performance in limited minutes vs. Bethune-Cookman

It was just Bethune-Cookman, but Mississippi State’s star center Tolu Smith played well during his highly-anticipated return to the hardwood Sunday afternoon.

Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans did not want to rush Smith back into things too quickly but was able to get Smith some brief action against a dreadful Bethune-Cookman squad ahead of the Bulldogs’ SEC opener against South Carolina on January 6.

And Smith performed well. The All-SEC center scored 16 points with 9 rebounds in just 19 minutes of action, hitting all 5 of his shots from the field and 6 of his 7 attempts from the free throw line. In doing so, Smith led all scorers and catapulted MSU to an 85-62 win over the Wildcats.

Here’s the moment Smith checked into the game for the first time in the 2023-24 season:

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Tolu Smith III has checked into the game!

Great to have you back, @ToluSmith1. #HailState? pic.twitter.com/lyPhiL6QYX

— Mississippi State Men’s Basketball (@HailStateMBK) December 31, 2023

Mississippi State is deadly with Smith in the lineup. He missed the first half of the season after suffering a foot injury preseason, but his return should make the Bulldogs a legitimate contender in the SEC alongside the likes of Tennessee and Kentucky.

The Bulldogs are now 10-2 on the season and have won 5 straight heading into SEC play.

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.