In what's becoming an annual late December tradition in Dallas, the American Airlines Center is hosting a star-studded college basketball double-header on Wednesday Dec. 28.
The 8:00 PM head-liner of the Dallas Showcase is a match-up of elite front-courts from No. 6 Baylor and No. 15 Mississippi State, who have combined for one loss this season.
The undefeated Bears are led by 6'11 sophomore Perry Jones III and 6'9 freshman Quincy Miller, both widely projected to be lottery picks in the 2012 NBA Draft. However, Baylor has yet to beat a ranked team in non-conference play, and the Bulldogs will be their toughest test before Big 12 play begins.
12-1 Mississippi State, meanwhile, won the Coaches Vs. Cancer tournament in New York City in November, defeating Texas A&M and Arizona in the process.
Rick Stansbury's team is headlined by 6'11 junior transfer Arnett Moultrie as well as 6'10 sophomore Renardo Sidney. Sidney was once the No. 1 player in the country in high school, but a series of weight and attitude issues sent his stock stumbling, and he's now looking to rebuild his reputation in Starksville.
The 5:30 PM under-card is a game between Oklahoma State and SMU.
The young Cowboys have struggled to a 6-5 start, but they feature one of the most talented freshman in the country in 6'7 Dallas product LeBryan Nash. For the Mustangs, a dormant program about to join the Big East, a win over a Big 12 power would be a huge boon in their effort to better recruit the DFW metroplex and keep players like Nash home.
The Oklahoma State/SMU game will be broadcast nationally on ESPU, while Baylor/Mississippi State will be on ESPN2.
For more news and notes on Baylor basketball, check out Our Daily Bears, while Cowboys Ride For Free has you covered for everything OSU-sports related.