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Mississippi State hosts Florida in search of rare upset

Jan 24, 2007 - 4:38 PM No. 1 Florida (17-2) at Mississippi St (11-6) 9:00 pm EST

STARKVILLE, Mississippi (Ticker) -- Mississippi State will need to pull off a big upset on Wednesday if it wants to break a long losing streak to ranked teams.

The Bulldogs welcome top-ranked Florida to Humphrey Coliseum on Wednesday in a Southeastern Conference matchup.

Mississippi State (11-6, 2-2 SEC West) will be looking to snap an 11-game skid against ranked opponents when its hosts the Gators.

The Bulldogs have beaten the No. 1 team in the country twice, knocking off Kentucky in the final of the 1996 SEC Tournament and on February 9, 1959.

The last time Mississippi State defeated a ranked team was February 11, 2004, when it posted a 79-75 overtime victory at No. 22 South Carolina.

"As we all know, Florida's ranked number one in the country. They're playing as well as anyone in the country," Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury said. "It's amazing how well they pass the ball and share the ball. They've got a great balance to their team. They have no weaknesses."

Florida (17-2, 4-0) has won 10 straight and features a starting five that all average double figures. Guard Taurean Green leads the way with 13.6 points and forward Joakim Noah averages 12.9 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Despite his team's balance, experience and lofty ranking, Florida coach Billy Donovan is taking nothing for granted.

"In our first four conference games, we've had three at home, so we'll take to the road this week," Donovan said. "Mississippi State is a talented team. They've got balance too, with guys that can shoot it and guys that can play in the post."