Mississippi State gets Craig Sword back

The undefeated Mississippi State Bulldogs will get a boost on Friday when they look to move to 5-0 against Saint Louis in the Corpus Christi Coastal Classic.

Craig Sword will be in the lineup for the first time this season Friday, providing a major scoring boost at the guard position. Sword has been sidelined since mid-October following back surgery, and gives the Bulldogs their leading scorer from a year ago back.

Last season, Sword averaged 13.7 points and 2.8 assists while shooting 48.5 percent from the floor. Roquez Johnson has stepped up his scoring in Sword's stead, while Gavin Ware and Fred Thomas have also taken steps forward on the offensive end.

The timing for Sword's return is surely appreciated, as it will allow Mississippi State to figure out their rotation before the schedule picks up in difficulty.