Newcomers Trey Fort, Jimmy Bell lead Mississippi State past Arizona State, 71-56

Playing without starters Tolu Smith (injury) and Shakeel Moore (suspension), Mississippi State turned to a couple of newcomers to provide a spark in Wednesday’s season opener against Arizona State.

Juco transfer Trey Fort and former West Virginia transfer Jimmy Bell more than answered the call in a 71-56 victory over the Sun Devils in the Barstool Sports Invitational in Chicago, Ill. Fort had 21 points, including five 3 pointers, while Bell had 13 points and nine rebounds.

Dashawn Davis also had 10 points for the Bulldogs while Cameron Matthews had eight points and nine boards. DJ Jeffries also added nine rebounds for the Bulldogs, who out-rebounded the Sun Devils 44-31.

“Obviously, glad we won but that last 10 minutes was rough sledding,” said Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans. “One of the hardest things to do with that kind of lead is to sustain that effort. But I am pleased with their energy and togetherness. Trey Fort had it going early and I am really happy for him.

Dashawn Davis also had 10 points for the Bulldogs while Cameron Matthews had eight points and nine boards. DJ Jeffries also added nine rebounds for the Bulldogs, who out-rebounded the Sun Devils 44-31.

Fort was 6 of 12 from the field and made 5 of 10 behind the 3 point arc. He was also 4 of 5 at the foul line.

“It is exciting and I am just glad to have the opportunity, especially on this stage,” Fort said. “I am glad to do it for my team and I am excited to do it with the guys. We are a family.

“I’ve got the confidence from the jump. I see one go in and if I don’t see one go in, I am still going to have that same confidence.”

Leading 39-18 at halftime, Fort stayed hot early in the second half and his 3 pointer gave the Bulldogs a 42-19 advantage. Arizona State never got closer than 16 points the rest of the way as Mississippi State rolled in its season opener.

For the game, Mississippi State shot 40% from the field and made 10 of 26 from 3 point territory. The Bulldogs were 17 of 22 at the charity stripe and had 15 turnovers with 11 assists.

Bell’s production on Wednesday was important for a variety of reasons. Smith, a preseason All-SEC selection, is expected to be out for most of Mississippi State’s non-conference schedule. Bell finished the night 5 of 6 from the floor and 2 of 3 at the foul line.

“He can around the basket,” Jans said of Bell. “He just didn’t have a ton of touches at West Virginia. I was surprised by his wind, though. He didn’t play a ton of minutes last year but he played 25 minutes tonight and looked pretty good. I love coaching him. He is all business. He is very coachable and I am sure glad we have him with the situation we are in.”

Arizona State shot just 32% from the floor and made 5 of 21 from 3 point range. The Sun Devils were 17 of 25 at the foul line and had 10 turnovers.

Both teams started slow offensively until the Bulldogs started to find success in the paint. Matthews and Bell combined for eight points to spark a 10-2 run by State and a 19-12 lead for the Bulldogs.

Then it was Fort’s turn to heat up from the perimeter. Fort scored 11 straight points for the Bulldogs, including a trio of 3 pointers, to help the Bulldogs build a commanding 32-16 advantage in the final minutes of the half. Dashawn Davis scored the final five points of the half and the Bulldogs led 39-18 at halftime.

In the opening half, Mississippi State shot 47% from the floor and made 5 of 16 behind the arc. The Bulldogs were 4 of 6 at the line in the first half and had just three turnovers. Mississippi State also dominated the glass in the first half, 24-12.

Arizona State was held to 26% shooting in the first half and the Sun Devils missed all nine attempts from 3 point range. Arizona State was 6 of 8 at the foul line and had five first-half turnovers.

“We didn’t know how it would unfold, playing a Power 5 team out of the chute,” added Jans. “But the guys were locked in early and really on point with the defensive game plan.”

Kamari Lands led Arizona State with 13 points while Franki Collins added 10.

The Bulldogs return to action Saturday with their home opener against Tennessee-Martin. Tipoff set for 4 p.m.