Mississippi State Basketball Aims to Halt Slide in Crucial Home Matchup

Mississippi State basketball hosts New Orleans Monday night. The Bulldogs seek to end a two-game losing streak. Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. CT at Humphrey Coliseum.

State’s 2-3 start is its worst in nine years. The team returns from a disappointing trip to the Hall of Fame Classic. Star guard Josh Hubbard looks to continue his scoring surge for the home side.

Bulldogs Return Home Seeking Urgent Turnaround

Losses to Kansas State and New Mexico in Kansas City stung. Mississippi State fell 98-77 and 80-78 respectively. The 2-3 record is the program’s worst five-game start since 2015-16.

Coach Chris Jans emphasized the need for a response. According to The Clarion-Ledger, the team’s identity is still forming. Home cooking could provide the necessary spark.

New Orleans also holds a 2-3 record. The Privateers scored an early upset over TCU. They have since lost to LSU, Pepperdine, and Fresno State.

Josh Hubbard’s Scoring Key to Stopping the Skid

Josh Hubbard is the SEC’s leading scorer at 23.8 points per game. The guard’s offensive output is vital. His three-point shooting stretches defenses.

Injuries have depleted the Bulldog backcourt. Jayden Epps and Sergej Macura are out with foot injuries. Epps was averaging 13.5 points per game.

Other players must step up. Shawn Jones Jr. and Achor Achor will see expanded roles. Their contribution on both ends is now critical.

Series History and Home Court Heavily Favor State

Mississippi State dominates the all-time series against New Orleans. The Bulldogs have won nine of the ten previous meetings. The last matchup was an 82-59 State victory in 2019.

Home court is a major factor. Under Coach Jans, Mississippi State is 20-1 in non-conference home games. The team has won ten straight such contests at The Hump.

The Privateers are led by Coleton Benson, averaging 17.4 points. Forward Jakevion Buckley adds 16 points and 7 rebounds per game. Containing this duo is a primary defensive goal.

Mississippi State basketball faces a must-win scenario to right its early season course before conference play heats up. A loss here would intensify pressure and scrutiny. Monday’s performance will signal the team’s true resilience.

Info at your fingertips

Who is the leading scorer for Mississippi State?

Guard Josh Hubbard is the leading scorer. He averages 23.8 points per game, which ranks first in the entire Southeastern Conference. His shooting is crucial for the Bulldogs’ offense.

How can I watch the Mississippi State vs. New Orleans game?

The game tips off at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. It will be broadcast live on SEC Network+. Fans can stream the game through the ESPN app or website with a valid cable subscription.

What is Mississippi State’s recent record against New Orleans?

Mississippi State has dominated the series historically. The Bulldogs have won nine of the ten all-time meetings. The most recent game in 2019 was a 23-point victory for State.

Which key players are injured for Mississippi State?

Guard Jayden Epps and forward Sergej Macura are out. Both are dealing with left foot injuries. Epps’ absence is a significant blow to the team’s backcourt depth and scoring.

Why is this game so important for the Bulldogs?

The team is off to its worst start in nearly a decade. A third consecutive loss would severely damage morale and momentum ahead of SEC play. A home win is essential to stabilize the season.

What is the prediction for the game?

Analysts expect Mississippi State to win comfortably at home. A prediction from The Clarion-Ledger forecasts an 83-59 victory for the Bulldogs, citing their home-court dominance and talent advantage.