Mississippi State Basketball Preview: Bulldogs Look to Bounce Back Against Prairie View A&M

Mississippi State aims for a dominant win over struggling Prairie View A&M to bounce back into the rankings.

December 8, 2024, 7:16 am 1.3k Views

Mississippi State Basketball Preview: Bulldogs Look To Bounce Back Against Prairie View A&M

Oct 15, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

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MISSISSIPPI STATE BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Mississippi State Basketball Preview: Bulldogs Look to Bounce Back Against Prairie View A&M

Mississippi State Basketball Preview: Bulldogs Ready to Bounce Back Against Prairie View A&M

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are primed for their second straight win as they host Prairie View A&M on Sunday afternoon in Starkville, Mississippi. After a tough loss to Butler at the Arizona Classic, which saw them drop out of the AP Top 25 rankings, Mississippi State (7-1) looks to regain their momentum with a dominant performance against a struggling Prairie View A&M squad. Following a convincing 90-57 victory over No. 18 Pittsburgh, the Bulldogs are eager to get back on track and potentially reenter the rankings with a strong showing on Sunday.

The Bulldogs have had a rollercoaster of a season so far. Their recent loss to Butler was a setback, but they bounced back decisively against Pittsburgh, showing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Mississippi State’s victory was propelled by standout performances from reserve KeShawn Murphy, who scored 20 points, and Michael Nwoko, who contributed a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. These efforts demonstrate the depth of the Bulldogs’ roster, especially as they work toward earning their spot in the AP poll again.

At the heart of Mississippi State’s offense is Josh Hubbard, the team’s leading scorer with an impressive 18.2 points per game on nearly 47% shooting from the field. Hubbard’s consistency has been a key factor in their success, but he’s not alone in shouldering the offensive load. Murphy adds 12.3 points per game and leads the team in rebounding with 8.8 boards per game, while Cameron Matthews brings invaluable versatility with a team-high 3.5 assists and 2.9 steals per game. With this mix of scoring and defensive prowess, the Bulldogs are poised for another dominant performance on Sunday.

On the other side of the court, Prairie View A&M (1-7) has been struggling this season, sitting near the bottom of the NCAA’s NET rankings at 348th out of 364 teams. Despite an initial win over College of Biblical Studies, the Panthers have faced a string of losses, often by large margins. Their closest game was an 84-81 loss to Incarnate Word, but they’ve been outclassed in most of their Division I matchups. They come into this game fresh off a tough 29-point loss to UAB, a game where they struggled to break through the defensive schemes set by their opponents.

For Prairie View A&M, Nick Anderson has been a bright spot, averaging 18.6 points per game on 45.3% shooting. The Panthers’ offense relies heavily on Anderson, with Tanahj Pettway also contributing 14.6 points per game. However, their struggles have been clear in recent games, especially when facing teams with strong defensive setups. The Bulldogs’ aggressive defense will likely be a significant challenge for Prairie View, as they continue to seek consistency.

This matchup between Mississippi State and Prairie View A&M holds more than just the promise of a win for the Bulldogs. It serves as an important opportunity for the team to build on their momentum from the Pittsburgh victory, strengthen their offensive schemes, and continue refining their defense. For Mississippi State, a solid win on Sunday is crucial not only for improving their standing in the rankings but also for asserting their dominance in a season filled with promise. Coach Chris Jans and his squad will be looking to avoid any further surprises as they march toward securing another NCAA tournament berth.

As Mississippi State looks to prove themselves and solidify their place among the top teams, all eyes will be on how they handle the pressure against a Prairie View team that has struggled to find its footing. Can the Bulldogs maintain their winning form, or will the Panthers surprise their opponents with an upset performance? This game will surely provide plenty of answers.

The excitement in Starkville is building, and Mississippi State is eager to prove they’re back on track. It’s more than just a game—it’s a statement. And with the Bulldogs’ depth and talent, expect nothing less than a fierce, fast-paced matchup. Stay tuned as Mississippi State takes on Prairie View A&M in what promises to be another thrilling chapter in their basketball season.

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