Mississippi State 96, Kent State 68

STARKVILLE, MISS - Mississippi State used two dominant halves to erase a nine-point Kent State lead on Monday night, leading the Bulldogs to a 96-68 win over KSU in the first meeting between the two schools.

Despite playing most of the game in foul trouble, Antonio Williams scored 10 points on 5-10 shooting in his limited 21 minutes of play. Anthony Roberts led Kent State in scoring with 16. Danny Pippen also recorded 11 and added four rebounds. MSU was led by sophomore Reggie Perry who struck for 26 points and pulled down 14 rebounds.

KSU was outscored 21-6 in points off turnovers but matched the nation's most powerful offensive rebounding team 12-12 on the glass. The Flashes sent the Bulldogs to the line 38 times and gave up 46 points in the paint. MSU also won the bench battle; its reserves outscored Kent State's 37-18.

Finishing the non-conference season at 10-3, Kent State begins its quest for a regular season Mid-American Conference crown on Friday night at Bowling Green. The league opener will tip at 9 ET from the Kermit Stroh Center.

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