Free throws big part of Mississippi State’s win over Hogs

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State sank 22-of-28 free throws, compared to 10-of-14 at the line by Arkansas, to secure a 13-point, 81-68 victory Wednesday night at Humphrey Coliseum in the team’s SEC opener.

Both teams are now 10-3 on the season.

The Hogs were without three players, including leading scorer JD Notae (illness), Chance Moore (illness) and Kamani Johnson, who has been suspended indefinitely.

The Bulldogs led by two, 33-31, at halftime and the game stayed tight until midway through the second half. Iverson Molinar sank a jumper with 11:48 left to put Mississippi State up 10 (57-47).

The Bulldogs held a double-digit lead the rest of the way.

Tolu Smith led the Bulldogs with 18 points, making 8-of-10 at the free throw line. Iverson added 16, Shakeel Moore scored 15 and D.J. Jefferies had 10. Garrison Brooks had 10 boards to the Bulldogs.

Photo By Kevin Snyder | MSU Athletics

Stanley Umude led the way for Arkansas with 19 points, his best point production as a Razorback. Jaylin Williams had seven rebounds, as did Jaxson Robinson, and six assists.

Davonte Davis, who battled foul trouble, contributed 15 points with five rebounds, four assists and two steals in 26:03 minutes played.

Photo By Kevin Snyder | MSU Athletics

Arkansas will have the weekend off and play its SEC home opener on Tuesday versus Vanderbilt.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on SEC Network.

Information from Arkansas Communications is included in this story.