MISSISSIPPI STATE 70, OLE MISS 60: Dee Bost posted a double-double, leading No. 18 Mississippi State to a 70-60 home victory over in-state rival Mississippi.

The victory moves the Bulldogs (19-5, 6-3 SEC) into a third-place tie with Vanderbilt, 3.5 games behind conference leader Kentucky. Mississippi State beat Vanderbilt 78-77 in overtime Jan. 21.

The Rebels (14-9, 4-5 SEC) pulled within 30-24 with under three minutes left in the first half, but the Bulldogs scored 10 of the next 13 points to take a 40-27 halftime lead. Bost hit a 3-pointer to open the second half, and Renardo Sidney’s three-point play staked Mississippi State to a 46-28 advantage two minutes into the second half.

Bost scored 15 points and added a career-high 13 assists. Arnett Moultrie finished with 18 points and nine rebounds for the Bulldogs.

The Rebels closed within 10 points with under three minutes to play. Reginald Buckner led the Rebels with 15 points.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Mississippi State scored the game’s first eight points and built a 16-6 lead six minutes into the contest. … The Bulldogs now lead the all-time series 139-106. … The Rebels fell short in their attempt to sweep the Bulldogs for the first time since 1998. … The horn at Humphrey Coliseum malfunctioned, forcing the officials to use an air horn to stop play.