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Bulldogs Advance in NIT Mississippi State downs nebraska in postSeason matchup

With its first postseason victory since 2010, Mississippi State defeated Nebraska, 66-59, Wednesday night in the first round of the NIT at Humphrey Coliseum.

Back in the tournament for the first time since 2012, the Bulldogs treated a spring break coliseum crowd of 3,485 to a hard-fought victory in what will be the final home game of the season.

The Bulldogs finished with a school-record 19 wins at home this season.

Aric Holman led the Bulldogs with 16 points, while Abdul Ado added 15 points and Xavian Stapleton scored 12 points. Lamar Peters did not score, but was credited with career-high 14 assists, an MSU postseason record, and four rebounds.

Holman collected a double-double as he had a team-high 10 rebounds. Ado just missed a double-double as he had nine rebounds.

"Our defense was really good tonight. We had some tremendous effort on that end of the floor. Offensively, I thought we played well. Lamar was spectacular. He had 11 assists at halftime and really controlled things for us." - Coach Ben Howland

For the contest, MSU hit 24 of 57 shots from the field (42.1 percent), 6 of 18 shots from 3-point range (33.3 percent) and 12 of 18 shots from the foul line (66.7 percent). Nebraska hit 23 of 65 shots from the field (35.4 percent), 6 of 22 shots from 3-point range (27.3 percent) and 7 of 9 shots from the foul line (77.8 percent).

"Aric had a double-double with four blocked shots. We did a great job of getting the ball to Abdul in positions where he can be successful. To win the battle of the boards by 17 is a huge stat." - Ben Howland

MSU held a 47-30 rebounding advantage. The Bulldogs had 16 assists and 13 turnovers, while the Cornhuskers had 10 assists and five turnovers.

MSU (23-11) will face Baylor (19-14) at 11 a.m. Sunday on ESPN in the second round of the tournament.

Photos by Kelly Price and Blake Williams. Story by Mississippi State Athletics.

Copyright Mississippi State Athletics. Not for commercial use or reproduction.

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