STARKVILLE – A short-handed Mississippi State squad will try to put a forgettable season opener behind it when Southeastern Louisiana visits at 7 tonight at Humphrey Coliseum.

The Bulldogs, who lost 88-74 to Rider on Friday, have a bench thinned by injuries and will be without starting forward Kodi Augustus, who’s been suspended two games for his outburst following the season opener.

Junior Phil Turner will replace him in the starting lineup tonight.

Southeastern Louisiana (2-0), coached by Jim Yarbrough, owns wins against Florida Atlantic and the University of Science and Arts. Junior guard Damon Forest leads the Lions with 23.5 points per game.

Brad Locke