Stewart's 'D' keys Bulldogs' return to SEC championship

NASHVILLE -- Ask any basketball coach and most will tell you, defense doesn't come via sheer talent, it's more a state of mind. A player has to want to be a quality defender.

While Mississippi State teammate and fellow Tennessee native Jarvis Varnado gets a majority of the credit for the Bulldogs' defensive prowess (most of which is deserved with Varnado now having at least one blocked shot in 50 straight games), guard Barry Stewart earned praise for his tenacious 'D' in the 62-52 win over Vanderbilt in the Southeastern Conference semifinals on Saturday at Bridgestone Arena.

After going off for five 3-pointers and a career-high 25 points against Florida on Friday, highly-touted Commodore freshman John Jenkins was held to just three field goals and seven points versus Mississippi State.

Stewart was a big reason why.

"Stewart's an excellent defender, and we knew it was going to be difficult for John," Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings said. "It was tough for (Jenkins) to get open. Stewart's a senior, he understands dealing with screens. He understands how to use his body. So he's just an excellent defender, and that's obvious when you watch them play on film. He's a very, very good defensive player and very underrated."

Mississippi State coach Rick Stansberry echoed Stalling's sentiments: "There's not a better defensive two guard in this league than Barry Stewart, and he does it night-in and night-out."

Mississippi State totaled eight blocks and forced 11 turnovers, while the Commodores shot just 34.6 percent from the field.

The Bulldogs (23-10), the No. 1 seed from the West Division, advance to the finals where they'll meet up with Kentucky (31-2), the top seed out of the East Division. Tip-of is Sunday at noon.

Wildcat guard Eric Bledsoe, who knocked down five 3s in a 74-45 semifinal win over Tennessee earlier Saturday, will likely be Stewart's defensive assignment. Needless to say, the former Shelbyville Central star will be up for the challenge.

"I'm a competitor, and I believe the name of the game is making baskets," Stewart said, "but I believe the most competitive people like lock their man down and make baskets. A guy that I look to at the next level is Kobe Bryant, and he also plays defense with intensity too. So it's something that's always been in me. I've done it since high school, and coach, he relies on me now."

When Stewart wasn't clocking in on the defensive side of things, he was also putting the ball in the whole. The senior led his team with 14 points to go with eight rebounds.

Another effort like that out of the former Golden Eagle and he could be wearing another SEC championship ring very soon.