STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State Bulldogs kick off their basketball season today, facing off against North Alabama at Humphrey Coliseum at 8 p.m. This game marks the beginning of a promising year for the Bulldogs under the leadership of head coach Chris Jans, who is entering his fourth season with the team. Jans has led Mississippi State to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, building optimism among fans and players alike.
A key player to watch this season is junior guard Josh Hubbard, who had an impressive season last year, averaging 18.9 points per game and contributing 3.1 assists and 2.1 rebounds. His performance will be crucial in setting the tone for the Bulldogs as they look to secure another successful season.
In the first half, Mississippi State initially took control of the game, leading by nine points at one stage. However, North Alabama made a strong push, managing to tie the game at 34-34 with just under two minutes remaining in the half. The Bulldogs demonstrated depth in their roster early in the game, utilizing 11 players and maintaining a slight edge over their opponents.
As the game progresses, fans can look forward to updates, with Mississippi State already showing their competitive energy. Coach Jans also expressed optimism regarding the participation of Georgetown transfer guard Jayden Epps, who is expected to play today after recovering from a concussion he sustained in a previous exhibition game.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State has a challenging schedule in the upcoming weeks, including a crucial road game against Iowa State and matchups in the Hall of Fame Classic against notable opponents. The Bulldogs’ season is packed with potential as they aim to build on last year’s success and make a deep postseason run.
As the basketball season unfolds, Mississippi State fans will be eager to watch how the team evolves and competes, starting with their matchup against North Alabama.