Mississippi State’s basketball team faced a challenging match in the Hall of Fame Classic, suffering a defeat against Kansas State with a final score of 98-77. This loss, occurring on November 20 in Kansas City, Missouri, marked the second time this season that the Bulldogs have allowed an astounding 96 points or more in a game, raising concerns about their defensive capabilities.
The Bulldogs, now holding a 2-2 record, struggled to contain Kansas State’s PJ Haggerty, who delivered an impressive performance with 37 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Kansas State led by 44-36 at halftime and stretched their advantage to as much as 23 points during the second half, exhibiting an efficient shooting display, particularly from beyond the arc with 14 three-pointers made out of 30 attempts.
For Mississippi State, Josh Hubbard was the standout player, scoring 23 points, while newcomer Jayden Epps contributed significantly off the bench with a season-high 18 points. Despite their efforts, the Bulldogs were unable to mount a successful comeback as they fell behind early in the game and could not regain momentum.
The Bulldogs’ head coach, Chris Jans, called for a timeout as Kansas State extended its lead to 18 points late in the second half. The defeat underlines the necessity for improved defensive strategies as Mississippi State prepares for its next matchup against New Mexico, following the Lobos’ loss to Nebraska.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State’s schedule includes several challenging games, such as their upcoming contest against New Mexico on November 21. With a renewed focus on bolstering their defense and capitalizing on offensive strengths, the Bulldogs are hopeful that they can regroup and strive for victory in future games, aiming to transform their early-season performance into a more competitive record.