JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Freshman Gavin Ware scored a career-high 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead Mississippi State to a 79-72 win over Central Arkansas on Saturday.
The 6-foot-9 Ware was unstoppable in the paint, making 8 of 9 shots from the field, 6 of 8 free throws and grabbing four offensive rebounds. Trivante Bloodman scored 12, Colin Borchert 11 and walk-on Tyson Cunningham added 10 points, including two 3-pointers in the second half that helped the Bulldogs (4-6) pull away.
Mississippi State won for just the third time in eight games. The Bulldogs dominated on the glass, outrebounding the Bears 43-29. They also shot 48.1 percent (25 of 52) from the field.
Central Arkansas (4-5) has lost two in a row. The Bears were led by Robert Crawford's 26 points. Jordan Harks and Jarvis Garner added 11.
©2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
