Mississippi State basketball faces a critical moment. The Bulldogs dropped a heartbreaker to New Mexico, 80-78, on Nov. 21. Now they host New Orleans at Humphrey Coliseum on Monday, Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. It’s a chance to stop the bleeding fast.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Mississippi State is 2-3 after dropping close games to Iowa State and New Mexico.
- Josh Hubbard led the Bulldogs against New Mexico with 29 points and 11-of-25 field goals.
- New Orleans Privateers enter at 3-1 with winning record in non-conference play.
- Game airs on SEC Network+ from Starkville at Humphrey Coliseum.
- Head coach Chris Jans seeks first home win against a ranked competitor this season.
What Happened in Kansas City
The Bulldogs came up just short in a consolation game at the Hall of Fame Classic. Mississippi State shot 46% from the field, forcing 7 turnovers. But it didn’t matter. New Mexico grabbed 46 rebounds to just 36 for State.
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Josh Hubbard was a bright spot. He torched the Lobos with 29 points, shooting 11-for-25 overall. Yet the Bulldogs couldn’t get enough support. Jayden Epps contributed points, but the team shot just 31% from three. Rebounds proved costly down the stretch.
The loss drops Mississippi State to 2-3 overall. Coach Chris Jans faces mounting pressure early in the season. The Bulldogs need defensive intensity at home. Fast.
Why This Matters for Momentum
Here’s the thing: losses like this sting. But home games fix a lot. Humphrey Coliseum is a fortress. Mississippi State shot better from the field last time out. Playing at home gives the team an edge.
New Orleans comes in at 3-1. That’s respectable, but nothing special. The Privateers aren’t a powerhouse. This is exactly the kind of opponent State needs to build confidence back up. A home win gets the narrative shifting.
And here’s what matters most: SEC play looms. Every non-conference loss chips away at tournament hopes. Mississippi State needs wins now while the schedule is still manageable.
Key Matchup Details
New Orleans Privateers roster features solid scorers. They’ve shown they can compete in non-conference play. But Mississippi State edges them in overall talent and depth.
| Team | Record | Last Game | Home Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State | 2-3 | Loss to New Mexico 80-78 | 1-1 |
| New Orleans | 3-1 | TBA | TBA |
Josh Hubbard must step up again in this one. If he can get 20+ points and the team limits turnovers, Mississippi State should win comfortably at home.
What to Watch For
Keep an eye on these critical factors:
- Ball movement and turnovers. State must enforce its pace.
- Hubbard’s shot selection under pressure situations.
- Defensive stops late in close games. New Mexico proved late-game execution matters.
- Three-point shooting consistency. 31% last time won’t cut it.
- Bench scoring impact early to establish pace.
The team needs this win badly. It’s not about beating elite talent. It’s about taking care of business at home against beatable opponents.
Can Mississippi State Get Back on Track at Home?
The pressure sits squarely on Chris Jans shoulders. A 2-3 record this early isn’t fatal. But it’s also not acceptable for a program with Jans’ résumé. He won at New Mexico State. He knows how to build.
Playing New Orleans at home should be a confidence-builder, not a trap game. Mississippi State has the talent to win. Hubbard showed that against New Mexico. The question: can the supporting cast step up
This game sets the tone for the rest of November. A win here starts momentum heading into the SMU game on Nov. 28. A loss deepens concerns fast. What happens at home on Monday matters more than you think.
Sources
- ESPN – Game scores and statistics
- CBS Sports – Team schedules and recent game coverage
- Mississippi State Athletics – Official team information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.