Mississippi State Clinches Another Top-10 Victory in Defensive Showdown Against Auburn
In an electrifying defensive masterclass, the Mississippi State Bulldogs outlasted the eighth-ranked Auburn Tigers 64-58, etching a memorable victory in the annals of Humphrey Coliseum on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs, now standing at a commendable 14-6 overall and 3-4 in the conference, showed that a steadfast defense can indeed be the best offense.
Head coach Chris Jans aptly summarized the gritty nature of the game, acknowledging that while the defensive slugfest might not satisfy the purists yearning for a high-scoring spectacle, it is a quintessential characteristic of intense conference games against formidable adversaries. This “rock fight,” as Jans poetically termed it, was indeed a classic, with both teams digging deep in their strategic trenches.
The opening half was a testament to Mississippi State’s defensive prowess, as the Bulldogs applied relentless pressure on Auburn, stifling their shooting to a meager 28 percent and prying away three turnovers. Cameron Matthews and Shakeel Moore brought their A-game, hitting key shots that kept the Bulldogs ahead in the face of Auburn’s formidable challenge.
The Bulldogs’ command over the boards was evident as they outrebounded Auburn by a remarkable margin, 27-14, in the first half alone. This dominance was not just a defensive effort; it translated into second-chance points, with 11 offensive rebounds leading to seven crucial points.
Matthews, a force to be reckoned with, made his presence felt with eight points and six rebounds, while Moore and starting center Tolu Smith III contributed to the scoreboard and the rebound tally, setting the tone for the Bulldogs’ tenacious front.
Emerging from a 21-all halftime deadlock, freshman phenom Josh Hubbard, making his inaugural start, caught fire instantly. He racked up seven points in quick succession, igniting Mississippi State’s offense, and was ably supported by his teammates, who rose to the occasion to repel Auburn’s offensive threats.
Auburn, not willing to relent, briefly snatched a one-point lead with less than eight minutes on the clock, but their hope was short-lived. Smith’s emphatic dunk propelled Mississippi State back into the lead—a lead they refused to relinquish for the remainder of the game.
In the waning minutes, Hubbard, showcasing maturity beyond his years, drained a pivotal three-pointer, sending the home fans into a frenzy and providing the Bulldogs with a cushioned lead. Moore’s calm composure at the free-throw line and DJ Jeffries‘ trio of successful free throws in the final seconds sealed the deal for Mississippi State, triggering celebrations among the Bulldog faithful.
Postgame, Hubbard shared the exhilaration of triumphing in such a charged atmosphere, a scenario many young athletes envision but few experience. Matthews, with a notable double-double, and Moore, who tallied 12 points, were pivotal in the victory, while Smith’s all-around performance underscored the collective effort that defined the Bulldogs’ play.
As they bask in the glory of their hard-fought victory, Mississippi State turns its focus to the upcoming Magnolia State showdown. The Bulldogs are set to face Ole Miss in Oxford on Tuesday, with the game tipping off at 7:30 p.m. CT. If their latest performance is any indication, Mississippi State is a team that thrives under pressure and relishes the opportunity to prove there is only one ‘Sip, and it’s Mississippis State!
