Tampa, FL -- (Sports Network) - Barry Stewart posted 21 points, as Mississippi State topped South Carolina, 82-68, in SEC quarterfinal action.

Dee Bost posted 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulldogs (21-12), who advance to take on LSU in the semifinals on Saturday. Jarvis Varnado added 12 points, nine boards and six blocks.

Zam Fredrick had 20 points for the Gamecocks (21-9), who finished the season with three losses in four games. Dominique Archie poured in 16 points and Devan Downey scored 11.

After trailing for most of the contest, MSU took a 48-45 lead with 12 minutes left in the contest as Bost hit 1-of-2 from the line, but a Fredrick three knotted things. From there, the Bulldogs ripped off a 14-7 run to take a 62-55 edge with six minutes left on a Bost trey, then finished the contest on a strong note.

Stewart's two from the line made it 66-61 with 3:58 remaining and MSU rolled to victory with an 16-7 burst.

South Carolina jumped out to early 8-2 and 14-4 leads, but MSU gradually chipped away at the deficit, eventually getting within 36-32 at the half.