COL BKB: Mississippi St. 69, Texas A&M 60

NEW YORK, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Dee Bost sent Mississippi State storming to an early lead Thursday and the Bulldogs held on to surprise No. 18 Texas A&M 69-60.

The Bulldogs reached the title game of the 2K Sports Classic, where they will meet either Arizona or St. John's Friday in Madison Square Garden.

Mississippi State raced to a 31-9 lead and the Aggies could get no closer than the final margin the rest of the way.

Bost scored 20 points and Brian Bryant had 12 for the Bulldogs (3-1). Elston Turner scored 13 for Texas A&M (2-1).

Mississippi State was held to 40 percent shooting from the floor, but went to the foul line 17 more times than did the Aggies.