LAS VEGAS (AP) — Fred Thomas scored 14 points and Gavin Ware had 10 points and 15 rebounds to lead Mississippi State past South Florida 71-66 in the third round of the Las Vegas Classic Sunday night.
Also for the Bulldogs (9-2), which hit three free throws in the final 24 seconds to seal it, Colin Borchert had 11 points. Roquez Johnson and Craig Sword each had 10 for Mississippi State, which will play the winner of Santa Clara-UNLV in Monday’s championship game.
Victor Rudd led South Florida (8-3) with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Corey Allen Jr. had 16 points, converting all eight free throws, while Chris Perry had 14 points and nine rebounds.
South Florida will play the loser of Santa Clara-UNLV in the final round Monday.
The Mississippi State bench outscored the Bulls, 26-9.
