GAME NOTES: The Mississippi State Bulldogs will open the 2014-15 season on their home floor on Friday, as they welcome the Western Carolina Catamounts to Humphrey Coliseum.

WCU took steps in the right direction last season after a disappointing 2012-13 campaign, going 10-6 in the Southern Conference and 19-15 overall, which included a run to the league tournament finals only to have its NCAA Tournament hopes dashed in a loss to Wofford (56-53).

The Bulldogs showed a four-win improvement last season over the 2012-13 campaign in Rick Ray's second season as head coach, but even so they finished up a mere 14-19 overall, including a last-place finish in the SEC at a meager 3-15.

The Catamounts and the Bulldogs have never before played one another in men's basketball.

Repeat success for the Catamounts this season will be very difficult to achieve after losing their top two scorers in the offseason. Trey Sumler (17.4 ppg, 4.3 apg, 4.0 rpg) was a difference maker in the backcourt, and Brandon Boggs (12.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) brought stability up front. The majority of the scoring load will fall on James Sinclair, who put up 11.8 ppg a season ago while adding 4.7 rpg. The team also returns roles players Justin Browning, Rhett Harrelson and Mike Brown. Four incoming freshmen will have a great opportunity to make an immediate impact.

Although Mississippi State concluded last season in the red in terms of scoring (-3.6) and rebounding (-2.3) margin, while shooting a woeful 30.7 percent from 3-point range, there's hope for a turnaround with the return of most of 2013-14's key contributors. Craig Sword led the team in scoring with 13.7 ppg, and Gavin Ware anchored the frontcourt with 10.0 ppg and 7.2 rpg. Roquez Johnson (9.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Fred Thomas (9.3 ppg), Trivante Bloodman (6.5 ppg) and I.J. Ready (5.9 ppg) were also consistent performers for a deep team. Junior college transfer Travis Daniels (6-8, 215) expects to be in the mix at forward after averaging 11.9 ppg and 7.2 rpg last season at Shelton State.

The Bulldogs will likely be in for another rough season in the SEC, but at home against a non-conference foe, they should be able to get the season off on the right foot.