Recap: South Carolina vs. Miss State

Nashville, TN (Sports Network) - Fred Thomas scored a game-high 21 points as the Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks, 70-59, in the first round of the SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena.

Colin Borchert was two rebounds shy of a double-double with 11 points for the Bulldogs (10-21). Roquez Johnson added 11 points and seven boards. Gavin Ware chipped in 10 point and seven rebounds. Mississippi State will go on to face the Tennessee Volunteers in the next round.

For the Gamecocks (14-18), Bruce Ellington put up a team-high 13 points. Laimonas Chatkevicius recorded 11 points and six rebounds.

In the first half, South Carolina was held to 9-of-28 field goal attempts including a mere 2-of-13 from long-range. Mississippi State knocked down 11- of-24 from the floor including 5-of-8 beyond the arc, en route to the 32-21 advantage at the break.

In the second half, South Carolina was held to 4-of-17 beyond the arc. Mississippi State made 2-of-7 from long-range as it took the 11-point victory

South Carolina was held to a mere 6-of-30 from long-range. Mississippi State controlled points in the paint, 30-24, and points off turnovers, 17-11.