Looking back

After a 2-0 start in SEC play, MSU lost twice last week. First was a 75-43 home loss to Alabama on Wednesday, followed by a 72-57 setback at Tennessee on Saturday.

In both games, MSU had issues both scoring and defending in the post. That led to a lot of outside shots, and State’s shooting percentage for the two games was 36.6.

Looking ahead

MSU visits Arkansas (11-6, 2-2) on Wednesday, then it opens up a three-game homestand on Saturday with Florida (14-2, 4-0).

Who’s hot

Freshman Fred Thomas is starting to find his stroke. He scored 10 points on 4 of 8 shooting against Alabama, then had 14 on 4 of 9 shooting versus Tennessee. Thomas was 4 of 7 from 3-point range in those games.

Who’s not

Junior Colin Borchert still can’t find his shot. He was 2 of 14 from the field in the two games, including 0 for 7 against Tennessee. Borchert is shooting 39.6 percent on the season, including 17.2 percent from 3-point range.

RPI watch

State’s RPI ranking has dropped a few spots from this time last week, to 242, and its strength of schedule ranks 245. Looking ahead, Arkansas is 83rd in RPI, while Florida is sixth.

Bottom line

The attrition that’s hammered this roster is starting to catch up to MSU, which has seven healthy scholarship players.

The Bulldogs are struggling to find a post game, and early foul trouble has made that even more difficult. Fatigue is something this group will have to deal with all season.

Brad Locke