Iverson Molinar scored 21 points and Mississippi State used a 26-3 run between the end of the first half and the start of the second half to take control in an 82-59 victory against Jackson State on Tuesday night in Starkville, Miss.

Tolu Smith added 19 points and 12 rebounds, Javian Davis and D.J. Stewart Jr. had 11 each as the Bulldogs (3-2) completed a sweep of a three-game homestand. Smith and Stewart have scored in double figures in all five games.

Tristan Jarrett scored 17 points and Darius Hicks added 11 to lead the Tigers in their season opener. Jackson State had four previously scheduled games canceled due to COVID-19 issues.

Mississippi State, which made just 1 of 10 3-point attempts Friday in a 69-63 victory against North Texas in its most recent contest, sank 8 of 18 from long range against Jackson State. The Bulldogs outrebounded the Tigers 50-25.

Smith scored six consecutive points during a 16-0 run to start the second half, giving the Bulldogs a 50-30 lead.

Hicks sank a layup to end Jackson State's drought and he added a jumper, but Mississippi State maintained control throughout as it outscored Jackson State 48-29 in the second half.

The lead changed hands four times in the first 2 1/2 minutes of the game before Mississippi State opened a 12-5 lead as Stewart made a 3-pointer.

Jonas James made a 3-pointer and two free throws to get Jackson State within two points before Molinar answered with a 3-pointer.

Calvin Temple made a jumper and a 3-pointer during an 11-1 run that gave the Tigers a 21-16 lead.

Abdul Ado made two free throws to pull the Bulldogs even at 21, and the score was tied again at 24.

Hezekiah Quinlan hit a 3-pointer to break the last tie before Mississippi State finished the half with a push.

Deivon Smith scored three points and assisted on 3-pointers by Jalen Johnson and Molinar during a 10-3 run. That gave Mississippi State a 34-30 halftime lead, and the Bulldogs carried the momentum into the second half.

--Field Level Media