COL BKB: Miss State 82, Miss Valley St 63

STARKVILLE, Miss., March 14 (UPI) -- Top-seeded Mississippi State defeated eighth-seeded Mississippi Valley State, 82-63, Tuesday in the first round of the NIT.

Charles Rhodes poured in 21 points and blocked four shots. Jamont Gordon scored 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for Mississippi State (19-13), which will take on either Bradley or Providence in the second round. Ben Hansbrough scored 15 points off the bench for the Bulldogs.

Carl Lucas netted 22 points in the lopsided loss for Mississippi Valley State (18-16).