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Student dies at residence

BY LACRETIA WIMBLEY

flawless smile that reflected its own beauty regardless of what mood she was in.

“I first met Haley our freshman year at State at the honors orientation. She really had the talent to bring you closer to her,” Denton

Staff Writer

On Dec. 26, Haley Rachel Allen, Mississippi State University junior mechanical engineering major, died of spontaneous seizures.

Clay McMorris, Lincoln County coroner, said Allen passed away at her residence. The memorial service for Allen was held Dec. 29, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service in Brookhaven, Miss.

MSU will plant a tree in Allen’s remembrance.

The location has not been decided.

Thomas Bourgeois, dean of students, said MSU plants a SHARON ALLEN | COURTESY PHOTO tree in honor of every student Haley Allen, MSU junior mechanical who passes away engineering major, traveled to China while enrolled. last summer where she was able Friends and family said Allen, to walk along the Great Wall. Allen a Brookhaven, is remembered for her ambitious Miss., native, had goals for mechanical engineering a genuine love for and her genuine love for people. people, an inspiring personality and a strong passion for me- said. “She always made time chanical engineering. for you. If she had a movie Joshua Denton, junior me- she was watching, she would chanical engineering major text and see if you wanted to and friend, said Allen had a come over.”

DAVID LEWIS | THE REFLECTOR

Mississippi State University Rhodes Scholar, Donald “Field” Brown, spoke at the Martin Luther King breakfast event Monday morning. In his speech, Brown recognized the accomplishments of the past and the work still to be done.

Rhodes scholar delivers MLK speech

SEE ALLEN, 2

BY PRANAAV JADHAV

Student dies in car crash

BY JAKE JONES Staff Writer

Mississippi State University student James Thomas Harrell passed away on Dec. 4.

Harrell was killed in a single-car accident on Old West Point Road in Oktibbeha

Staff Writer

The 20th annual Martin Luther King Jr. unity breakfast convened in Mississippi State University’s Colvard Student Union Jan. 20.

Donald “Field” Brown, senior English and philosophy double major, the university’s recently-named Rhodes Scholar was the keynote speaker at the event.

Brown said the national celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is a testament to

Starkville icon passes away

BY MYRA RICE Staff Writer

On Starkville nights the presence of Gerald Berry could be felt as he strolled downtown streets. Stagger Inn was often his stopping place and upon pulling the door handle he entered the bar as well as the hearts of those who knew that seeing Berry meant there was a good night ahead. Berry, after sitting, would plop his backpack onto the back of the chair and order a cold Budweiser draft. Berry’s distinct laugh filled the bar giving off an infectious energy. After the last drink, Berry strapped his backpack on and headed home.

Berry was born Garcia Gerald Berry Jr. in Lyon, Miss., in Coahoma County.

Although Berry’s birthplace was small, his impact would grow fundamentally and af-

SEE HARRELL, 2

HANNAH MOORE | COURTESY PHOTO

fect the lives of many.

Chris Curry, a dear friend of Berry, said their lifelong friendship began on the campus of Mississippi State University in the fall of 1970.

“I was hanging out in the union August of 1970 when I met Gerald. I was beginning my undergrad year, and he was starting his graduate level work,” Curry said.

Berry was born August of 1947, but Curry remembers the spirit of someone born about a century earlier.

“Gerald was 66 years old at his passing, having been born in August of 1947. He lived more like he was born in 1847,” Curry said.

In the mid-1990s, Berry worked in the field of photography in the Starkville area.

“Gerald taught photography class in the mid ’90s and held a position at APB Photo,” Curry said.

MSU student James Harrell, remembered for his adventurous spirit and curiosity, found himself in his element while hiking. Harrell passed away Dec. 4 in a car accident.

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Dr. Keenum, and it was definitely a great privilege,” Brown said.

MSU President Mark Keenum said he was thrilled by the overwhelming turnout to this event and the overflowing auditorium.

SEE SPEECH, 2

County. The county deputy’s report showed Harrell lost control of his Nissan 350 ZX, swerved, tumbled and was ejected from the vehicle. He was not wearing a seat belt.

The incident is still under investigation by the sheriffs’ department.

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the progress America has made, but King’s observation that, “signs of victory have already occurred, but are not yet completed” still rings true.

“It is an honor to be a part in any extent of Dr. King’s legacy, so I was happy to be invited by

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GERALD BERRY | COURTESY PHOTO

Gerald Berry, well-known Starkville barfly, photographer and former MSU teacher, passed away at the age of 66.

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HARRELL

THE REFLECTOR

continued from 1

Dilly Miller, deputy medical examiner, said Old West Point Road is a dark and curvy road and he advises drivers to be cautious at all times.

“At all times, wear your seat belt,” Miller said. “Drive responsibly and slow down.”

Harrell grew up going to MSU football games and attended West Point High School. MSU was the only college he wanted to apply to, his father Robert Harrell, said. Robert Harrell said the last words he and his son shared were, “I love you.”

“I just told him I loved him,” Robert Harrell said. “Every time before he hung up, he would say ‘Dad, I love you.’ That’s how we would end every conversation.”

Robert Harrell said the week before his son’s death, he, James, and James Harrell’s 76-year-old grandfather, “Papa,” went on a hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail. James Harrell was an avid outdoorsman and an Eagle Scout. His hobbies were rock climbing, kayaking, hiking and camping.

In the spring of 2013, James Harrell went on a trip to Patagonia, Chile as part of a “Bear Grylls” experience in the wilderness for hannah moore | courtesy photo four months. The trip was with a MSU students Hannah Moore and James Harrell enjoy Delta Gamma’s Tacky group of 20 other students from all over the country as part of a college Christmas party. Harrell enjoyed the outdoors, and his friends are planning course. According to James Harrell’s an annual hiking trip to honor his memory and adventurous spirit. best friend, Hannah Moore, this “We all say, ‘What would James Harrell’s funeral, which she said was types of people he touched. That was his element.

“He was all about adventure,” one of the hardest things she has just speaks to the type of person he do?’” Moore said, “And we all know he would just fuss at us saying, ‘Get Moore said, who had been friends ever had to do. Moore said people was, selfless and kind.”

James Harrell left behind four out of bed and go out and do somewith James Harrell since diapers. from all across the country came to siblings, Robert (23), William (20), thing awesome.’”

“He was always trying to teach us James Harrell’s funeral.

Moore said some of James Har“To see the amount of people Samuel (16) and Ann Caroline stuff, always trying to teach me different kinds of knots to tie. It was in that James touched was incredible,” (15). Moore said the family has rell’s friends are planning an annuMoore said. “What was even more picked up a new motto in honor of al hiking trip in memory of their his blood to be outdoors.” friend who loved the outdoors.

Moore helped arrange James incredible was to see all the different James.

SPEECH

continued from 1

“It inspires me to see this community come together and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, and as I mentioned, I truly believe that Dr. King would be so pleased to see a young man like Field Brown who has accomplished so much in his life,” Keenum said.

The program began at 7 a.m. in the Colvard Student Union’s Foster Ballroom with breakfast. The formal activities began at 8 a.m. and concluded at 9:30 a.m.

Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman, who offered Brown the recognition of an honorary Starkville resident, said the program was excellent, and he was blown away by the message that Brown delivered.

“I thought he was pitch-perfect in recognizing the accomplishments of the past and also laying the foundation of the challenge for the future,” Wiseman said.

David Shaw, vice president for research and economic development said this MLK day was the best yet, and Brown did a fabulous job not only at inspiring, but challenging the audience for the further advances that needed to be made.

“My heart is bursting with pride to see someone of his caliber be able to go represent Mississippi so very well,” Shaw said.

Brown is one of 32 U.S. residents selected this year for the Rhodes Scholarship. Scholars are selected on the basis of demonstrated commitment to others and the common good, as well as their scholarly achievements and leadership potential.

Thomas Anderson, associate professor at the Shackouls Honors College, said few students balance deep humility with remarkable academic promise as well as Brown does.

“I feel so proud of Field, Mississippi State has so many remarkable students doing interesting research and engaging in meaningful service. Field’s success, I hope, gives students here the confidence that they can compete with any student from any institution in the nation,” Anderson said.

Dan Coleman, former director of recruitment at MSU said Brown is a man of integrity and hard work--a man that lives out his faith daily.

“I have known Field since he was in eighth grade. I had the privilege to meet him with his family during his older brother campus visit. I am so impressed with Field and the way he accepts responsibility as a student and fulfills his obligation,” Coleman said. “Field is self-motivated, disciplined and inspires me to be a better person in so many areas. I hope one day I have a son that resembles everything that Field Brown is as a person.”

Brown said he has grown in every way at MSU and promises to take the values learned in Starkville to Oxford, England.

ALLEN Denton said Allen had a phenomenal love for the written word and had picked up painting in the last two years.

“She loved sunsets, which is what most of her paintings consisted of,” Denton said.

“Her love for reading was so strong she would insist that I read certain books she suggested as well. I remember her getting me to read ‘The Great Gatsby.’”

Denton said Allen was a re-

continued from 1 laxed person who could inspire confidence in people and take away their worries.

“School and friends were the most important to Haley,” Denton said. “If you made a mistake, she wrote it off because she knew you were better than that. There was no hiding anything from Haley.”

Matthew Dunaway, junior philosophy major and friend, remembers Allen’s inquisitive character, thoughtfulness and

seriousness about school.

“She was a huge Radiohead fan,” Dunaway said. “She also liked Florence and the Machine and Kid Cudi. Poetry was also her thing. We used to discuss the French poet Albert Camus, and she used to try and get me to read his piece called ‘The Plague.’ She was very opinionated about economics and politics, but had reason for what she thought.”

Dunaway said Allen was a

great conversation partner.

“If we ran into each other, we would just sit and talk for hours,” Dunaway said. “It was always a long talk with Haley.

That’s what made it special.”

Dunaway recalls Allen loved rollercoasters and space, something he said she was very passionate about.

“I remember she told me that she may get to build a rollercoaster on the moon one day,” Dunaway said as he chuckled.

Dunaway said Allen was a big comic book fan.

“She had hundreds of comic books,” Dunaway said. “Her favorite was Batman. She had a preference of the DC comics over Marvel. She definitely liked to read in her spare time.”

Haley Allen was a member of the First Baptist Church Brookhaven, the robotics team at MSU, the Golden Key International Honor Society and the Shackouls Honor College. She was invited to China by the International Honor Society last summer and had obtained an internship at Disneyworld in the Animal Kingdom on Jan. 8, 2014.

Family said Allen also de-

sharon allen | courtesy photo

MSU student Haley Allen had a passion for mechanical engineering. Family and friends say she loved rollercoasters, space and people. sired to do Engineers Without Boarders.

Sharon Allen, mother of Haley Allen, said her daughter was a generous, great kid who never got in trouble.

“I remember she always stood up for people she felt were not being treated right.

She had lots of friends from different cultures,” Sharon said.

Sharon Allen said her daughter loved watching “Lord of the Rings,” and “I Love Lucy.”

“She watched the whole trilogy of the Rings. I remember she wouldn’t come out of her room,” Sharon said.

Sharon Allen said Haley Allen loved space and was undoubtedly dedicated to one day becoming a mechanical engineer.

“She always said when she made it as an engineer she would give back,” Sharon said.

“The fact that State is planting a tree in her honor is perfect because she loved trees. She even named her own trees at home.

She absolutely loved MSU.” At the Bank of Brookhaven in Brookhaven, Miss., a fund has been created for an engineering scholarship for a female student at MSU.

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New Indian restaurant brings spice to Starkville

By Pranaav Jadhav Staff Writer

Before having a meal in India, Hindus say the short prayer, “Anna hai poorna brahma,” which means “food is divine.” This saying will be resonated 8,000 miles from India in Starkville with the addition of the Bombay Spice Kitchen Indian restaurant on Martin Luther King Drive.

The Bombay Spice Kitchen features selected cuisine from India. Pradip Patel, owner of the Bombay Spice Kitchen restaurant and a business graduate from Mississippi State University, said suggestions from his friends and his love for cooking inspired his decision to open a restaurant.

“Typically, most Indian restaurants use frozen ingredients. Everything we use here is fresh and cooked every day, and nothing is frozen. We keep a limited stock of what we need and we make sure it is fresh,” Patel said.

Gregory Wheeler, a recent graduate from Mississippi State University said he went to the restaurant with his

wife and friends and highly recommends the samosas.

“We’ve been waiting for Starkville to get an Indian restaurant since forever. We all ordered the Thali, which was delicious. You get a pretty big portion and a lot of Naan, but we ate it all because everything was so good.

They kept apologizing for the service saying it was their first day, but I didn’t have any problems. I thought the service was great,” Wheeler said.

Bombay Spice Kitchen opened for business Jan. 11 and received great support, according to its Facebook page update which said, “Due to the overwhelming response, our food inventory is depleted. We will be open tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

Thank you!”

Simone Cottrell, Starkville resident, said her mother is Cambodian and she has always been interested in South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Cottrell said making international friends at MSU broadened her palette in distinguishing different Asian foods.

“The complexity of flavors

in Indian food is astounding. Whenever I eat Indian food, it’s like my whole body is waking up. I really enjoy heat in my food, and Indian cuisine has the perfect balance of heats and spices. The fragrance of basmati rice, the coolness of cucumber raita, the indulgence of a really good naan, the savoriness of tandoori chicken --you can’t beat really awesome Indian food,” Cottrell said.

Few people who visited the restaurant on the first day faced adversities, including waiting for a table.

Sulagna Saha, a graduate student at MSU, said opening day for the restaurant was hectic. Saha said there was a huge crowd and less seating arrangements, so most customers had to stand and wait for an empty table.

“They only have two employed waitresses that seem untrained. It took more than an hour to bring out food and drinks. People were very restless. It is a small place with less amount of space and location isn’t that great.

The menu has fewer items.

Their service is extremely bad

braden benson | the reflector

Patrons walk into the Bombay Spice Kitchen located on Martin Luther King Drive.

An MSU graduate recently opened the restaurant, which serves Indian cuisine. and slow,” Saha said.

“We will be starting a buf- ter we get the order. We are Patel said they were over- fet next week including our working on it. Just give us a whelmed on the first day and six-page menu, we have had little time, and I am sure we the reason for the one-page great reviews on the food we can make it,” Patel said. menu was to test the market serve, but the problem has For additional information and to see how people will re- been on the delay in time, on the restaurant, call 338act to this new venture. but we cook the Tandoor af- 1788.

GERALD

continued from 1

garcia berry | courtesy photo

Gerald Berry and Iris Goodwin have a good time together. Berry was a MSU professor and local legend.

Aside from his passion for photography, Berry was an avid reader in his spare time.

“I remember him rereading a Faulkner novel. He said, ‘I’m reading ‘Sound and the Fury’ for the sixth time.’ He said he got some-

thing new every time he read,” Curry said.

Berry enjoyed the bars but had passions many didn’t know of.

“People who didn’t know Gerald wouldn’t know that he read more than he drank,

but he did,” Curry said.

Berry, who had no children and never married, also lost his mother at a young age.

“Gerald’s mother died when he was young. My mother would fix him biscuits in the morning, and they would laugh. We were sort of his family,” Curry said.

Curry said Berry was a social butterfly and enjoyed being out in the community.

“Gerald would go out around five o’clock during happy hour and meet new people. Gerald had a lot of real friends,” Curry said.

The community knew Barry for having a giving spirit, and those who knew him well enjoyed pouring back into him.

“Gerald never asked for anything. He would take whatever you offered, but he would never ask,” Curry said.

Paul Brasfield, current Chef de cuisine at Bin 612, remembers where he was when he received the news of Berry’s passing.

“I was on my way back from Atlanta in my Jeep. I received a text, and I was just distraught,” hesaid.

Brasfield and his staff saw

Berry as more than a customer. He was also a family member.

“He’s been coming around a real long time. You know if you see someone every day for a year they’re like your family,” Brasfield said.

Berry supported Mississippi State University in many aspects — one of which was sports.

“I mean if you knew anything about Gerald, you knew he loved MSU, and he hated Ole Miss,” Brasfield said.

Berry’s influence and presence was deeper than just a friendly face.

“I mean he had this Gandalf-type beard that was warm and brought a glow about him. He was like a mogul,” Brasfield said.

Berry’s Halloween impersonators spoke to how much of an icon he truly was.

Sarah Mitchell, graduate of MSU, said she met Gerald while bartending at Stagger Inn. “Gerald was a creature of habit. That’s a good way to put it. He came in and always got the usual,” Mitchell said.

Berry’s ability to be himself touched those who knew him best.

“He was set in his ways, but he was happy. He liked older music like old rock and roll,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell, along with others, dressed up as Berry for Halloween.

“I was the Gerald Berry Ferry, and Gerald and I took pictures,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell recalled the night of Berry’s passing.

“I was at Dave’s New Year’s night. After I heard, I immediately ordered a Budweiser draft for Gerald,” Mitchell said. “He lived life how he wanted to live it on his own terms. He was truly a free spirit.”

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OPINION

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OPINION EDITOR: ALIE DALEE | opinion@reflector.msstate.edu

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AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS

INTERNATIONAL INK

The lost art of tangibility

Russian terrorist attacks raise concern on lack of 2014 Olympic security A

I

n what proved to be a pair of chilling attacks that killed 31 people in Russia last month raised several alarming questions on the security and safety of athletes in the run-up to the winter Olympics that begin Feb. 6.

No official records or suspects have been found, but multiple news agencies in Russia and terror experts believe Chechen Muslim rebel leader Doku Umarov, who calls himself the emir of the terPranaav Jadhav is a junior ror group Caucasus Emirate, has majoring in communication.

He can be contacted at opincalled on Muslims to attack civilion@reflector.msstate.edu. ians and to prevent the Olympics from occurring.

A Jan. 11 report on BBC claims think as important as the Olympic Russian authorities have arrested games and the security of the athfive members of a “banned inter- letes and the participants and those national terrorist organization” in who come to watch the games,” the North Caucasus region and Rogers said. have announced the deployment In the meantime Putin has given of more than 30,000 police and the green light and hinted to the interior ministry troops to the re- U.S. that the Obama administragion. The five tion can provide suspects were U.S. athletes with In this in possession their own security of “grenades, turmoil if needed. ammunition “If anybody feels ... many and a homeit is necessary for made explosive lawmakers ... in them to employ device packed America fear for their own security with shrapnel,” the security of our measures, those are the National athletes in Russia.” welcome as well, Anti-Terrorism but it needs, of Committee said. course, to be done L. Todd Wood, columnist at the in cooperation with the Olympic New York Post said in an article on Games organizers and our special Jan. 4 security around the Olym- services,” Putin said. pic venue may be strong enough Leslie Baker, political science into prevent a terrorist incident in- structor who teaches foreign policy side the compound or the sport at Mississippi State University, said facilities themselves. But Putin there would be severe repercuscannot effectively secure all of the sions if the U.S. doesn’t send the transportation networks leading to players, both domestically and inSochi, hence the attacks on Volgo- ternationally. grad, a major connecting hub into “Since the threat is not directly the Olympic area. against the U.S., we would look In this turmoil that has been weak if we didn’t send the teams. ongoing in Russia, many lawmak- At this point, the U.S. has no ers, expert analysts and the general choice but to trust Russia’s plan for public in America fear for the secu- the steel wall protection they have rity of our athletes in Russia. Pres- promised,” Baker said. ident Barack Obama snubbed the In a brief statement in the last anti-gay laws in Russia by naming week of 2013, State Department an openly gay delegation and stay- spokesperson Marie Harf said peoing out of the opening ceremony ple should also be reminded that himself. threats have been made against the While this might be a great glob- Olympic Games and acts of terroral discussion of a strong opposing ism, including bombings, contindecision by the White House, the ue to occur in Russia and she was important issue remains the securi- unaware of any specific threats on ty and safety of our athletes.

Americans at the games.

Congressman Mike Rogers (RThe games begin less than 20 MI) on CNN’s state of the union days from now, for us, Americans said Russia has not given the U.S. sitting on the other side of the the full story of the threat streams. globe, the only hope is our athletes “Who do we need to worry about? and delegation stay absolutely safe Are those groups — the terrorist in Russia. Additionally, the Obama groups who have had some succes administration could substitute the — are they still plotting? There’s a photo-ops with an extra effort in missing gap, and you never want offering what it takes to protect that when you go into something I our professionals.

PRANAAV JADHAV

s we disembark from the year of the selfie, we as a generation must self-reflect on what we are defined by.

The generation above us would likely define us as social media consumers with a voracious appetite as we hungrily craft our next tweet. Our lives play out in technicolor square fashion thanks to the addictive ease of Instagram’s interface. Our thoughts effortlessly tweet their every meandering muse as Twitter grasps our psyche and refuses to let go. And to say that the iPhone hasn’t given our generation a disease is to live in intentional denial. Honestly, my iPhone lays sub-consciously by my side as I type this paragraph. We are all products of our generation.

However, I think there is a silent movement of the millennials to a conscious generational awakening.

This technological attachment was superimposed in Spike Jozes’s latest film “Her,” where a man pursues a romantic relationship with his operating system. The romance sheds light on an overarching juxtaposition of our generation which plays out on television shows such as “Girls.” Our generation supports the one-night-stand but fails to acknowledge a hello from a stranger. A generation denies emotional vacancy but allows tangible intimacy to exchange

amongst complete strangers.

“Her” paints the picture of a man struggling to be emotionally present, while physically vacant in his romantic relationship with an operating system.

This relationship spirals in the aftermath of an emotionally absent marriage. The millennial generation seems to have allowed this intangible vacancy in relationships to trickle down into the mundane aspects of our everyday existence. We have enabled social media to replace relationships and our self esteem to be measured out in retweets and followers.

This generational difference played out in a short discourse with my father over my benign request of a record player for Christmas, nothing fancy, just a simple model to spin my favorite albums. The request was met with sheer befuddlement from my father, a member of the baby boomer generation. His claim was his generation can not grasp why millennials aim to buy vinyl when impeccable digital files are available for free instantaneously at our fingertips. My rebuttal attended we’re a generation with a desperate longing for something to grasp. A vast majority of our lives play out on a single electronic device held in the palm of our hand. Honestly, can you name the eye color of your five best friends? We are so intrigued

with the content displayed crisply on our phones’ displays that we often forget to look into the eyes of others. We’re instead dangerously attached to gazing into the retina display of Steve Job’s greatest creation.

“Her” illustrates the detrimental damage of a generation that relies entirely on physical gratification without emotional intimacy. Our lives cannot play out wholly on Instagram without ever halting to look up and speak to those around us. Nor can a generation rely wholly on physical gratification without an intentional discovery of people’s inner makeup. And as Rome wasn’t built in a day, it is unlikely a generation will change overnight. However, might the tangibility of a record or the well-worn pages of a book offer a cathartic experience which allows a merge of tangible object with emotional experience. The experience thus trickles down to society’s inner connectivity and alleviates the possibility of Jonze’s prediction to manifest into reality.

If as a generation we do not stand and fight for an air of tangibility in our lives, then soon we will live out our entire existence on a retina screen as everything from groceries to electronics are now available for purchase online. Last month Amazon unveiled design plans

ALIE DALEE Alie Dalee is the Opinion Editor of The Reflector. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.

which would allow drones to effortlessly deliver to your front door. Even Netflix graciously offers a digital fireplace, thus alleviating the need to tamper with your firepit or even wander outdoors. Arguably, digital music files are just one more appendage that keeps us ever dependent on smart phones. And while vinyl may seem an unnecessary expense, and your friend may leave you bemused when he or she shows up to your party with a disposable camera, it is likely a millennial tired of their generational definition amounting to nothing more than how many retweets their Golden Globe pun received. Here’s to hope that everyone bears with our generation as we reintroduce ourselves to the lost art of tangibility.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Students, remember to look up,engage

I

come from a household where “playing” meant going outside and turning on the hose if you got too hot. My friends in middle school only expressed our feelings on AIM and MySpace. I come from a generation that surely knows its way around technology, and only at times, depended on it for the base of communication and entertainment. As a student in 2014, we are constantly being told that our generation is a bunch of zombies that are magnetically attracted to our phones. That always makes me mad even though sometimes I am guilty of it. Lately, I have been taking notice of my peers and our public actions with our cell phones.

I took some time out of lunch last Thursday to do a little onsite research. I sat on the second balcony of the Colvard Student Union and made a few notes on the people passing by. I counted 250 students walking in the area and came up with the following numbers: Sixteen pairs of people conversing…

Seventeen people looking up and casually walking…

Nine people running to classes I

assume they were late for…

Forty-Six students talking on their phone…

Two couples practicing their right to publicly display their affection…

And 142 people looking at their phones (texting, tweeting, etc.)

First off, I sincerely hope you do not find your Student Association president to be too creepy during my lunch hour, but I sincerely was curious. Secondly, I must admit that I was not surprised to find these numbers, but I surely was not excited about the results.

I challenge you to take a look around next time you are on campus during lunch hour. It is a little scary how many of us are glued to our phones instead of focused on where we are going. I cannot lie and say I do not attempt to efficiently get things done between classes. I am as guilty as any of those 142 people.

With it being a new year, I love all of the new opportunities we have to improve upon ourselves.

This is truly a new slate set out in front of us, and we now have the opportunity to start building upon it. I have a few new years resolutions that I look forward to

personally working on.

Over the past 3.5 years, I have spent more time in the ChickFil-A line than the library. I have enjoyed sitting in the Cotton District over running in the Sanderson. I have liked taking naps over returning emails. I have enjoyed having more time for myself than attempting to make new friends outside my comfort zone.

My issues that I plan to resolve may be mainstream and typical of a man my age (lose weight, be more active, etc.), but I sincerely want us to resolve something more for our generation as a whole.

I hope to increase the longing for personal connections with one another. We need more knowledge of the person sitting next to us rather than the obsession with the celebrity who will be gone tomorrow. I hope that an encounter with a loved one is more reassuring than a “like” on our Facebook status. I hope that the words we use to encourage one another are more impactful than receiving coveted retweets. I hope that a hug from a friend is embraced more than a double tap on Instagram from a complete stranger. I hope that a six-second

Michael Hogan currently serves as the 2013-2014 Student Association president.

video on Vine is always overshadowed by an hour-long lunch spent catching up with a friend.

Einstein once said, “I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction.” I may not always understand his formulas and lessons on subjects I made sure to avoid in college, but I confidently agree with him on that statement. Our generation is falling into a state of apathy amongst one another. I hope with this new year just starting, we can all become a little less involved with our phones and more interested with our futures, our friends and our campus. Let’s make 2014 a year that we get involved, give back and are more intentional with our time and effort.

Whether positive or not, social media is now engraved into our culture and seems to be here to stay. Our youth and time as MSU students is not so permanent. Enjoy 2014 for all that it is worth — it seems like it will be the perfect year to be a Bulldog.

In Maroon and White, Michael Hogan

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Discovery of new ligament in human knee soon to make a difference

T

he human knee is a complex and fragile joint. It plays a crucial role in comfortable human mobility. The structures associated with the knee endure and enforce all the complicated twists, pivots and forces involved in everyday movement. Unfortunately, one wrong move could cause serious injury to the knee.

Millions of people, particularly student athletes, struggle with knee injuries each year. These injuries can often be the end of a career or impair a person’s movement for life.

One of the most prevalent injuries to the knee is a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, also known as the ACL. An ACL tear is often bad news to athletes due to a lengthy recovery period and problems that occur after the ACL is repaired.

Some patients experience “pivot-shift,” or times when the knee gives out during activity.

But could a recent discovery in Belgium change the way ACL injuries are treated?

Knee surgeons from University Hospitals Leuven recently discovered a new ligament in the human knee, which was eventually given the name anterolateral ligament (ALL).

Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Claes and professor John Bellemans are conducting research into severe ACL tears and the possible effect such injuries might have on the ALL ligament. It is believed these surgeons have discovered a possible breakthrough in the treatment of ACL tears.

According to the ScienceDaily branch of NBC News, researchers are fairly certain that pivot shift in post-ACL tears is the direct result of an injury to the ALL ligament. Some of the results were published in the “Journal of Anatomy,” giving the researchers praise for reminding the medical world there is still much more to be discovered in regard to the human body. Dr. Claes and Bellemans still use the results of their research to find surgical procedures to repair injuries to the ALL. “ScienceDaily” states their results will be ready in a few years. It is believed that the ALL is present in 97 percent of the population.

This research sounds wonderful to the common citizen or athlete who struggles with post-ACL injury. But is it possible that the assumptions behind this discovery have been

released prematurely? I stated all “ScienceDaily” had to offer in regard to the connection between the ACL and ALL. Keep in mind the ALL was discovered through a separate cadaver study using microscopic dissection techniques. After the discovery of the ALL, I have found little research that proves an injury to the ALL has a connection with a tear of the ACL. I first heard about this new discovery by word of instructors within the kinesiology department at Mississippi State University. After examining this same article, they felt there is still much work to be done in regard to this discovery. John Lamberth, associate professor and graduate coordinator anatomy & neuropathophysiology, explained his hesitation toward the research.

“I need a little more research into this. Now, I’m not saying it’s not there. I’m only saying that, before they publish articles like this, they need to actually prove that’s what it is,” he said. “For example, maybe they could sever the ALL and see what it does. Then they could do the same for the ACL and compare them. If they got results, then they could look into

BROOKLYN TUCKER Brooklyn Tucker is a junior majoring in kinesiology. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.

new treatments and publish it and all that,” Lamberth said.

This article is just a reminder that, as educated students, it is never practical to take the first word of a source. But it is also important to keep an open mind and think about it rather than bash them right away.

We all, however, remain hopeful that further research indicates hope for post-ACL treatments. Though this research is still in its early stages, it is worth keeping track. Always be observant in what you hear, but keep an open mind, and you might find some interesting things you will eventually deal with every day.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014 | 5

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6 | TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

LIFE EDITOR: DANIEL HART | life@reflector.msstate.edu

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

MLK’s dream lives on through speech re-enactment

BY CATIE MARIE MARTIN

also pay homage to King, who was once their fraternity brother.

There will also be a violinist’s tribute and a video tribute on campus.

Bianca Tatum, treasurer of the Peers Assisting with Students Although some students may view Martin Luther King Jr. Day as simply another day to sleep in, scroll through Netflix Program, said she hopes students glean a greater appreciation for and catch up on schoolwork, other members of the Starkville the strides that have been made in civil rights from the event.

“I hope that students find that spark that the past generations community use the extra day of relaxation to remind students of found during the civil rights era,” she said. “I the gravity of the Civil Rights hope that the event is entertaining, yet thought movement. provoking and inspirational.”

We cannot let his Wednesday at 6 p.m., the Tatum said she believes students can gain enMississippi State Universivisions die. I’m vested thusiasm about fighting for all peoples’ rights ty Holmes Cultural Diversity in keeping the dream in 2014, not just throughout history, through Center will sponsor a re-enactalive and reminding studying King’s life and work. ment of Martin Luther King “My generation must understand that miJr.’s inspirational “I Have A our generation what Dream” speech. The event will we as a nation have gone through.” norities have broken many barriers, but there is a fight to be fought,” she said. “We hope that take place in Bettersworth Austudents of today strive to be generational heditorium in Lee Hall and cele- - Bianca Tatum, roes like Martin Luther King Jr. was.” brate the life of the famous civil treasurer of the Peers Assisting Tatum also said students who seek involverights activist. with Students Program ment with programs such as those put on by Ra’Sheda Forbes, assistant dithe HCDC should visit the Colvard Student rector of the HCDC, said she Union in suite 220. She said she finds King’s wishes to combat nonchalant attitudes toward history through events like Wednesday’s re-en- dreams still hold great importance and inspiration and that her generation can continue to push his dream of equality and reactement.

“Students don’t know the history of things like they used to,” spect onward.

“We cannot let his visions die,” she said. “I’m vested in keepshe said. “We got into a conversation about when was the last ing the dream alive and reminding our generation what we as a time we heard the ‘I Have A Dream’ speech recited.”

Forbes said the opporunity to give students a peek into King’s nation have gone through.”

King’s dreams still ring true today. The brilliance of his “I passion and zeal for racial equality and the legacy his work has Have A Dream” speech not only resounds throughout history, left excites her.

“Getting students involved in learning the speech helped them but also echoes in the hearts of MSU students this week as the university raises awareness of his indispensible, influential work to realize how the dream has come to pass,” she said.

The speech re-enactment is not the only way the HCDC pays to make America truly the land of the free and the home of the tribute to King this week. The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity will brave.

Staff Writer

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS | COURTESY PHOTO

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered speeches on civil rights that persist as some of the finest rhetorical speech in U.S. history. A re-enactement of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech takes place in Bettersworth Auditorium in Lee Hall Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Oratory contest invites students to learn from MLK’s powerful language, speeches address to skeptics who rode the fence regarding civil rights activism, provides eloquent evidence that his audience followed his words. Whether writing or speaking, MLK’s power over lanMississippi State University undergraduates have the oppor- guage stirred men and women to act.

In a recent editorial honoring King’s address 51 years ago, the tunity to participate in a newly-created public speaking contest honoring Martin Luther King Jr. The Society for African Amer- Sun Sentinel editorial board called “I Have a Dream” the most remembered and honored speech of ican Studies presents the first annual the past 50 years for its combination MLK Oratorical Contest on Thursday. of rhetorical power and heart.

Ravi Perry, MSU professor in the (The audience) only “Martin Luther King Jr. did not read Department of Political Science and needed to have their from a teleprompter,” the Sun SentiPublic Administration, said the contest batteries charged, nel editorial board said. “Much of his honors King as both an orator and an and King did so with speech was basically ad-libbed, rather advocate for social justice. than from notes he eventually discard“The goal of the event is to invite stuhis stirring rhetoric, dents to write original orations reflectstressing the oneness ed. It was delivered from the heart and the gut, rather than from the mind of ing on their views about the slain civil of Christian gospel some public relations person.” rights leader,” Perry said. “The contest is and America’s destiny, accepting Not only was his speech a powernamed in honor of Dr. King to recogful example of good rhetoric, but its nize his oratory talent and his message the charge to love our brothers genuine spirit moved his audience. of social justice on the January occasion and sisters, letting He spoke from his heart and his exof his birthday.” everyone be ‘free at last, Great perience, trying to call his audience to The event does more than honor God almighty free at last.’” action. “Now is the time” was not only everything King stood for during the what his audience wanted to hear. It is week in which the U.S. officially cele- Rich Raymond, what they needed to hear. brates him. King was a powerful speakprofessor in the Department of Raymond said students who attend er fighting for real change. This public English the speaking contest will hear how speaking contest not only celebrates a King’s speech is an example of caregreat man, but also allows attendees ful, emphatic language used to bring and competitors to learn from him and about long-lasting change. carry on his legacy.

Rich Raymond, professor in the English department, said “Students should learn that powerful language can affect posKing’s iconic and powerful speech, “I Have a Dream,” was an itive change, that such language can inspire the courage to beillustration of “preaching to the choir.” Those in attendance be- lieve in freedom and to act to secure it,” he said. lieved in his movement, and his speech was delivered to incite Raymond went on to quote an excerpt from King’s speech, “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. his audience to action. “(The audience) only needed to have their batteries charged, Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of and King did so with his stirring rhetoric, stressing the oneness segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time of Christian gospel and America’s destiny, accepting the charge to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the to love our brothers and sisters, letting everyone be ‘free at last, solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all God’s children.”

Great God almighty free at last,’” he said.

The contest begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, and students can Raymond said King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” an

BY GENY KATE GURLEY Staff Writer

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS | COURTESY PHOTO

The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was a march for civil rights that included a focus on economic freedom in arenas like employment. MLK delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the march, inspiring listeners to take action and work fearlessly.

contact Linda Miller in African-American studies at lmiller@ aas.msstate.edu or email msuoratorycontest@gmail.com to register. The award presentation will be at 6 p.m., and the winner will receive $200, a trophy and the title “MSU Dreamer.”

EMMA KATHERINE HUTTO | THE REFLECTOR

CHAINZ HANG LOW |

Rapper 2 Chainz performed at the Mississippi Horse Park Thursday to a sold-out crowd of Mississippi State University students and Starkvillians. 2 Chainz shuffled his way through a wide range of selections from his catalog, including covering rap and hip-hop songs by other artists. While onstage, 2 Chainz repeated his famous mantra (“truuuuu”) many times, and an audio recording of the phrase echoed around the horse park following many of the rapper’s remarks. Local artist and DJ Glotron opened the concert, which was put on by MSU’s Music Maker Productions.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014 | 7

SPORTS

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

Sullivan’s success noted in women’s soccer draft

BY KRISTEN SPINK Managing Editor

While most Mississippi State University students attended their first Friday morning classes of the spring semester, senior Elisabeth Sullivan sat at home with her parents eagerly watching the live feed of the 2014 National Women’s Soccer League draft. But after two-and-a-half hours went by, Sullivan thought her chances of playing professional soccer were over.

“I had accepted it wasn’t going to happen, and then I got a text from my coach (Aaron Gordon), and all it said was ‘Bam,’” Sullivan said. “I ran over to my computer and saw my name and started freaking out. My dad had gone to change for work, and my mom was on the phone, so I started freaking out and yelling and screaming, and my mom came over and did the same thing.

We went and told my dad, and

he didn’t believe us until we the discussion. Getting the showed him the computer.” opportunity to even be menAfter a late trade, the Port- tioned was really good, then to land Thorns selected Sullivan be drafted says a lot in terms of with the 31st pick in the draft, what these coaches were lookmaking her the first MSU play- ing for,” Gordon said. “What er ever drafted this means in to the NWSL. terms of our proWith just four gram is it shows I love rounds in any potential soccer, the draft and player who comes and I think nine picks per to Mississippi round, only this is a great State that going 36 players opportunity that I to the next level were selected can’t pass up.” is a possibility beout of over cause we play in a 180 who de- -Elisabeth Sullivan, great conference clared for the MSU soccer forward and have a great draft. Sullivan school; what we was one of do as a program only two SEC is individuals players selected. have potential to grow and get Gordon said he and the better each year and then poMSU coaching staff did not tential and possibility is there, know if the draft was even go- and that’s what happened with ing to be a possibility, but after Elisabeth.” the great senior season she had Sullivan continued to break this fall, teams started mention- MSU records this year, writing ing her in their conversations. her name atop the single-sea“You always want to be in son goals record with 16, fin-

ishing with 39 goals and 92 points for her career — both tops in the record books. She was also named second-team All-SEC her final two seasons for the Maroon and White.

Gordon said her goal-scoring ability is what will carry her in the pro world.

“She has unique qualities in terms of being a goal scorer in the way that she scores goals, and her ability to beat players one-on-one makes her an attacking threat all the time.

She’s not dependent on others to give her the ball; she can create on her own,” he said.

Sullivan will take these abilities to the defending champion of the NWSL and join forces with Alex Morgan — the current face of women’s professional soccer. Thorns’ head coach Paul Riley told The Oregonian that Sullivan is a diamond in the rough.

“We kept an eye on her all season. She wasn’t on anybody’s list, but I think she’s going to

be a sleeper.

I think she’s maybe the third or fourth best forward coming out of the draft,” Riley said.

Sullivan According to The Oregonian, Sullivan is expected to play “significant minutes” this season, especially when Morgan and Canadian Christine Sinclair leave to play with their respective national teams.

Thorns’ training camp begins March 10, which means Sullivan, an elementary education major, will take a semester off and student teach this fall after the season ends.

Although the Sullivan household was filled with excitement all weekend, Marcia Sullivan, Elisabeth’s mom, said she realized her daughter is going about the farthest she can in the country from her Memphis home.

“I know that she feels like she has been led by the Lord, and I know that’s where she gets her strength, so I think she’ll be fine,” Marcia said. “I think God has led her to this, and he’s not going to drop her now.”

A soccer career that started when she was four years old has surpassed the wildest dreams of the newest Portland Thorn. From Memphis to Starkville and now to Portland, Sullivan said the constant support and encouragement from her family, friends, coaches and teammates has carried her the whole time.

“I love soccer, and I think this is a great opportunity that I can’t pass up,” she said.

“God has blessed me with the skills and talent, and since he’s given that to me and continued to bless me with that at Mississippi State, I feel like I need to continue with these talents and play for him with the Portland Thorns.”

Men’s tennis completes sweep behind freshmen, set to host ITA Kickoff Classic

BY QUENTIN SMITH Staff Writer

After a stellar finish to the fall season, the No. 14 Mississippi State University men’s tennis team saw its 2014 season get off to a superb start as the Dogs swept Jackson State University and Alabama State University in a double-header to open up 2-0 on the season.

The opening win against JSU marks the third consecutive season-opening match MSU has won and its 11thstraight home opener.

In the match against JSU, windy conditions did not seem to bother the Bulldogs as they got off to a quick start by sweeping the doubles point and claiming victories in the singles. The team saw a strong performance out of senior Zach White and sophomore Jordan Angus who defeated their opponents in straight sets 6-0, 6-1 and 6-2, 6-2.

MARY LIZ HERRINGTON | THE REFLECTOR In the second game of the Freshman Florian Lakat and sophomore Jordan Angus celebrate after scoring a point in Saturday’s win against double header against ASU, the Bulldogs picked right Jackson State University. Lakat (right) hits a serve in his singles match against JSU, which he won 6-3, 6-0. back up where they left off, Lakat said he was excited and everyone is fighting realclaiming victories in both the took care of their stuff, which victories as Bulldogs this past to get his first win as a Bull- ly hard, and we’re not playing is good to see, especially from weekend. doubles and singles again.

Nilsson said he was pleased dog. He also said there is a for ourselves. We’re playing Head Coach Per Nilsson the new guys.”

The Bulldogs were with- with the newcomers in their huge difference between high for the university.” said he was proud of the way Last season, the Bulldogs school tennis and collegiate his team came out and com- out their senior leader Malte MSU debuts. reached the NCAA round “No one showed nerves tennis. peted even with the windy Stropp, who sat out to let “It’s way different,” he said. of 16 for the first time since some other players get playing really. They took care of the conditions. things we’ve been working on “In college tennis, everyone is 2001, and they are hoping to “I feel like we are supposed experience.

Newcomers Florian Lakat, in practice, and everyone got good and you really have to be repeat that same success again to win these matches,” he said. “We didn’t let down. Ev- Rishab Agarwal and Tassilo a match in so that was really focused from the beginning this year.

This year’s team is young, to the end. It’s never over, erybody stayed focused and Schmid all earned their first great,” Nilsson said.

having five freshmen and only two seniors.

Despite only having two veterans, Nilsson said he is confident in the leadership his two seniors posses.

“We need them to show the young guys what it’s like to fight when things aren’t going well,” Nilsson said. “They know the different levels of the game, so Zach and Malte are going to lead us and hopefully play the best and will lead by example.”

Even though Stropp did not play this past weekend, he said he liked what he saw out of the new freshmen and said he embraces being a mentor to them.

“We have to teach them how to be an actual team,” Stropp said. “College tennis is a team sport, and it’s important for me to show them what it’s like to play for MSU and be a part of a good program.”

The team will be back at home at A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre again this weekend as they host the ITA Kickoff.

Along with MSU, No. 18 South Carolina, No. 21 Memphis, and No. 27 Harvard will be featured in the event.

The weekend’s winner will advance to Houston, Texas, to compete in the 2014 ITA National Team Indoor Championship in mid-February.

The match is set to begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday and times are to be announced for Sunday.

Lady Bulldogs drop back-to-back contests in top-ranked conference competition

BY QUENTIN SMITH Staff Writer

Following its first conference victory against Arkansas last Sunday, the Mississippi State University Lady Bulldogs went toe-to-toe Thursday night against one of the most elite teams in the nation, the Tennessee Volunteers.

The Lady Bulldogs fought hard and played with intensity all game long, but eventually, they would go on to drop the nail biter by a score of 67-63.

Despite losing the close game, the Lady Bulldogs had no time to hang their heads, as they quickly had to turn around and face the conference’s best team and No. 21 Texas A&M Aggies.

The road trip to Texas A&M was MSU head coach Vic Schaffer’s first time returning back to College Station since he left in 2012.

When asked prior to Sunday’s game about his feelings toward Texas A&M, Schaefer said the return home was simply a “business trip.” Unfortunately, the homecoming would be spoiled as MSU fell to the Aggies 73-35.

The Lady Bulldogs will look to rebound as they face bitter in-state rival Ole Miss on Thursday night before returning home Sunday to host Missouri.

Following Sunday’s loss to the Aggies, Schaefer was critical of the way his team played.

“Sometimes, when you have the youth, inexperience

and immaturity that we have, those things show up. All three things reared their ugly heads today against a really good Texas A&M basketball team today,” Schaefer said.

With the pair of losses, the team now stands at 14-5 and 1-4 in conference play.

Even with the slow start in conference play, Schaefer said he likes the toughness he sees out of all of his players.

“They’re competitive,” he said. “When you recruit for this league, you better go get tough, physical and aggressive kids who have a little edge to them, and these kids all have it.”

The team’s toughness is being recognized throughout the league.

Tennessee Volunteers guard

Andraya Carter said in a postgame Thursday night, although her team won, she was still impressed with MSU’s squad.

“They played a lot better than what we saw on films.

They brought it. They have heart and they have hustle. I tip my hats off to them,” Carter said.

Schaefer said he can see his team growing up right in front of his eyes.

MSU senior guard Katia May said competition is good, but the ultimate goal is to get the “W”, and it is dissatisfying to lose “It’s not a good feeling,” she said. “It leaves a bad taste in your mouth, but I’m happy about how we compete and show relentless effort.”

MARY LIZ HERRINGTON | THE REFLECTOR

Mississippi State University’s senior guard Katia May runs into the Tennessee defense during the Dogs’ 67-63 loss Thursday. May was second in scoring with 14 points against the No. 10 Lady Volunteers.

8 | TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

SPORTS EDITOR: JOHN GALATAS | reflectorsports@gmail.com

SPORTS

THE REFLECTOR

STAT OF THE DAY:

The MSU men’s basketball team has defeated Auburn four consecutive times and 12 of the last 13 at the Humphrey Coliseum.

leon carrubba | the reflector

Sophomore guard Gavin Ware lays up the ball on a fast break in the second half of MSU’s 81-72 overtime win against Texas A&M Saturday. Ware collected his sixth double-double on the year with 22 points and 10 rebounds in Saturday’s victory.

david lewis | the reflector

SEASON OPENER

| Mississippi State University’s women’s tennis

team earned a 6-1 victory in the season-opening match against Alabama State University. Seniors Alexandra Perper (top) and Rosie Dion (bottom) cruised to single match wins 6-0, 6-0 and 6-2, 6-1. MSU’s lady netters return to the court this weekend in the 2014 ITA Kickoff Classic hosted by the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies.

Dogs earn second league victory in overtime thriller

By Kristen spinK Managing Editor

“I’d call that a signature win,” one Bulldog fan told her husband after Mississippi State University’s come-frombehind overtime win against Texas A&M Saturday.

It was a signature win head coach Rick Ray said the Dogs hope to carry into their next game Wednesday against Auburn.

“Here’s the key, from this point on, is how do we deal with this success? I told our guys I don’t know about them, but I plan on having to deal with success a lot,” he said.

Ray mentioned that after MSU beat Ole Miss, the Dogs went to Tuscaloosa and lost to Alabama by 19 points, so he said he hopes this time the team can build off of this win when Auburn comes to town.

The Tigers will visit Humphrey Coliseum looking for their first conference win as one of just two SEC teams winless in league play.

Coming into Saturday, A&M was one of two unde-

Village Cycle Center, Inc. 13000 MS HWY 182 Starkville, MS 39759

feated teams in the SEC, but balanced play from the Dogs put a blemish on the Aggies’ record. Four of the five Bulldog starters finished with double digits scoring, led by sophomore Craig Sword with 23.

Trailing through most of the game, MSU came back and tied the game late in the second half. But after an Aggie bucket and a missed layup

by Sword, it looked as if the Dogs would have to foul and put A&M on the line. Just as the thought crossed fans’ minds, sophomore Gavin Ware ripped the ball away and put up the layup to tie the game.

Ware, who finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, said he felt like he had a chance to step up against a smaller Aggie team.

“Coach always told us, ‘Once they get the rebound just get back,’ but that one I saw the five man had the ball, and I tried to get back, but the stride of my hand hit the ball, and I had it so I decided to score,” Ware, who scored the first six points of the game for the Dogs, said. “I felt this was my ‘time to eat’ as people say, so I used that advantage to my ability and found a way to grind it out and was able to score in the post. We made sure our bodies were physically ready for an all-out war today (Saturday) because that’s what it was.”

Aggie head coach Billy Kennedy praised Ware throughout his post-game press conference. He said his team’s poor response to the

officiating combined with Ware’s presence down low was too much to overcome.

“Gavin Ware just wore us out and did a good job. He’s really a good player,” Kennedy said. “He’s a big, strong, powerful guy whose hard to move off the block. He just finished around the basket like kids are supposed to do. He can make a layup. If you can find a big guy in college basketball who can make a layup, you’re gonna be a good team.”

Once the Dogs stopped the Aggies on the final possession to keep the score tied at 67, overtime belonged to MSU. State outscored A&M 14-5 in extra play and shot 52.7 percent from the field throughout the game against the SEC’s best field-goal-percentage defensive team.

Ray said his team possessed the ball well offensively, which was a point of emphasis. He said after he watched the Alabama game film, he noticed his team shot the ball with 26 seconds left on the shot clock on average in the first half and with 25 seconds left on the shot clock in the second half.

“I was disappointed that a team I was coaching wasn’t sharing the basketball and using the shot clock, so they had a directive not to shoot a three unless the ball hit the paint,” Ray said. “We made them make mistakes because we massaged and worked the shot clock.”

The Dogs will look to build on this momentum when they take on Auburn at 7 p.m.

Wednesday at the Hump.

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