Georgia loses this dogfight

ATHENS, Ga. -- Mississippi State's Lawrence Roberts might have limped into Stegeman Coliseum, but it didn't show once he got on the court.

Mississippi State beat Georgia 76-62 behind the senior forward's 19 points and 12 rebounds. Despite a bruised and strained right thigh suffered on Saturday at Kentucky, the All-American played 36 minutes and scored and rebounded better than his averages.

"He's a terrific player ñ one of the best in the country," Georgia coach Dennis Felton said. "But I have a hard time focusing on anything but our effort. It was a disappointing effort."

Mississippi State (19-8, 7-6 Southeastern Conference) outrebounded Georgia 45-25 ñ Georgia's largest deficit since Kentucky outrebounded the Bulldogs 44-18 on Jan. 22 ñ scored 11 more second-chance points, nine more points off turnovers and had eight more points off fast breaks.

"We want to be a great defensive team, but if they get a turnover and they score, we don't even get a chance to play D," Georgia freshman center Dave Bliss said. "And rebounding, we took a step back there."

Roberts did not practice Monday, didn't work out at full speed Tuesday and it was unknown if he would play until after Mississippi State warmed up just before tipoff. The reigning SEC Player of the Year played in pain most of the night and scored only seven points in the second half. His 3-pointer with 4:19 left gave the Bulldogs a 68-58 lead.

"I had no idea he would play 36 minutes," coach Rich Stansbury said. "I asked him if he needed a blow. He said no. That was what I wanted to hear.

"He's absolutely exhausted right now," Stansbury added. "He's got a couple of days to hurt" before the Bulldogs host in-state rival Ole Miss on Saturday.

Channing Toney led Georgia with 15 points. Stukes added 13, Sundiata Gaines 12 and Bliss put in 10 points.