By By Fredie Carmichael/Special to The Star
March 22, 2001
STARKVILLE Mississippi State couldn't get over the hump at "The Hump" here Wednesday night as Derrick Zimmerman's apparent game-winning shot was waved off and just like that, the Bulldogs season was over.
Still, he was positive in regards to the big picture.
The Golden Hurricane shot 50 percent from behind the arc for the game, including an astonishing 71 percent in the second half.
The biggest of them all came from forward Kevin Johnson, who had only attempted four 3s the whole season. He buried a trifecta as the shot clock wound down and broke open the 70-70 tie with 1:15 left to play.
MSU had plenty of opportunities in the second half to take the lead but were unable to cash in on its chances.
Senior Antonio Jackson failed to hit baskets down the stretch, missing two key free throws that would have given the Bulldogs the lead.
The usually hot-handed Jackson was also 0-for-8 from behind the arc and 2-for-14 from the field.
The Bulldogs will return nine underclassmen next season. MSU will lose just two seniors Hamilton and Jackson to graduation.