Southern Miss fans cheered loudly, as did the few others who were there. Some Mississippi State fans were even kind enough to join the cheering. Richardson’s basket ended a 35-0 Mississippi State streak. It’s correct: 35 consecutive points. With 18 minutes remaining, the score was a competitive 41-29. Richardson’s basket brought it to 76-32. It is impossible to watch basketball for so long and not see a run like this. USM was scoreless for over 12 minutes and missed 19 consecutive shots. So Mississippi State defeated Southern Miss 86-44, in the first of four basketball matches the two schools had contracted to play at Mississippi Coliseum for four consecutive Decembers. For the Golden Eagles, even one of the four, to win, and indeed for USM to even be competitive in the future, a lot must change. Ben Howland’s State Bulldogs were the least experienced 351 Division I team. They showed great potential when they shot 3-pointers from every angle and all over the floor. Doc Sadler’s Eagles, who were ravaged by NCAA scholarship and probation, played hard, but it was clear that they were often shooting at a moving target with a lid. While the Bulldogs were making shots on one side of the court, the Eagles were shooting at the backboard or basket, or both. These stats tell you all you need to know. State made 17 of 29 3-pointers, while USM missed 21. The Eagles, to borrow from Jimmy Breslin’s great quote, were the gang that couldn’t shoot straight. It seemed that the crowd of 4,031, mostly dressed in maroon, enjoyed every moment. They stayed until garbage time, which was quite a lot this night. You can read the Southern Miss shooting charts (names have been omitted for charitability): 1-8, 1-5, 1-8, 0-7 and 1-5. Ouch! Q Weatherspoon, State’s super-smooth 3 pointer maker, made all four of his shots, with the ball gently settling through the nets every time he attempted one. In 26 minutes, he scored 16 points to lead the Bulldogs. Flora native Xavian Staples, who was playing basketball for the first-time in 18 months following two knee surgeries, got in on the action. He hit both of his 3-pointers, including one that went in. He was asked by a person if he called Board on that one. Stapleton grinned and said “No, but thank you to the man up top.” Howland was happy to have Stapleton back. He said that he appreciated his vast experience and his exceptional ability. Being a sophomore at MSU makes you an elder statesman. Howland stated, “He’s played on this level before.” He knows what it takes. That’s what we need. Five Bulldogs scored seven or more points. Two were sophomores and three were freshmen. Howland spoke afterwards about why he believes the USM-State series in Jackson is important for Mississippi basketball. Howland stated, “We play Ole Miss twice per year, and now will play Southern Miss once per year.” Our kids value playing here. It is the capital of Mississippi. All of our Mississippi children have fond memories of playing here in the state tournament. “We need to play here every year.” I know what your thinking. Easy for Howland after a 42 point win. Howland stated, “You can see Doc picking up the remnants from what he had with the scholarship limitations.” He’s dealt with a lot of difficult things. He is a great coach. I have immense respect for him. I also know that they will be able to make this happen once they have all their scholarships.” Monday night seemed far away. Sadler stated, “The only thing that I know is to put my head down, grind and work, and try to improve on the practice court.” “That’s all we have to do.” The Golden Eagles should see a change in scenery Tuesday. For their next three games, they fly to Hawaii. Rick Cleveland is Mississippi Today’s sports columnist. Check out his columns as well as his Sports Daily blog. Reach Rick at rcleveland@mississippitoday.org.