Ben Howland points to 2 key changes that sparked Mississippi State’s SEC Tournament win
By Keith Farner
Published:
Ben Howland hasn’t worn a suit to coach in a game since before the pandemic. But that changed on Thursday, and it may have been one of the sparks that helped Mississippi State knock off South Carolina.
The other was starting Andersson Garcia instead of D.J. Jeffries, who hasn’t scored in double figures since a Feb. 18 win against Missouri. Howland explained that the move was decided following the March 5 loss against Texas A&M.
Ben Howland: “I’m wearing a suit. We’re starting Andersson. I’m changing it up.”
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) March 11, 2022
Garcia made Howland look smart from the beginning of the game, as he made a block on the first possession, and kept up his reputation of turning defense into offense.
Garcia finished with 7 points and 14 rebounds for Mississippi State, and South Carolina coach Frank Martin noticed his impact.
South Carolina head coach Frank Martin on Andersson Garcia: “His personality on this team was clear as day.”
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) March 11, 2022
State’s defense held South Carolina to 12 percent shooting in the second half, as the Gamecocks finished at 28 percent shooting after they went 4 of 31 in the second half.
State, meanwhile, made its living in the paint, as it outscored South Carolina 42-16 there. The Bulldogs also made 20 of 27 free throws to 11 of 19 for South Carolina.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
