Mississippi State beats Jackson State 98-57 as Jans praises team play

Mississippi State beat Jackson State 98-57 on Monday, and coach Chris Jans pointed to the Bulldogs’ passing, rebounding and team chemistry after the game. Six Mississippi State players scored in double figures, Jans said.

Jans said the lopsided score helped produce multiple double-digit scorers, while crediting the team’s willingness to share the ball. He said Mississippi State sometimes let possessions stall but had generally shown unselfish play that he hopes will remain a strength.

The coach said rebounding helped Mississippi State extend its advantage, particularly in the second half, by creating second- and third-chance opportunities while limiting Jackson State’s chances. Jans said he was disappointed with the Bulldogs’ rebounding early and criticized turnovers and poor decisions after halftime, adding that cleaner play could have led to more points.

Jans called Tristan Reed’s performance his best since joining the program and said the team needs him to play consistently. He also urged Reed to bring more physicality to the court, describing him as a particularly kind person and saying the staff wants him to play with more edge.

Jans praised Josh Hubbard’s contributions to team cohesion beyond his on-court role. He said Hubbard helps bring teammates together and noted the players’ response when Hubbard was recognized for reaching 2,000 career points. Jans said the group appeared genuinely happy for Hubbard, while cautioning that the team’s closeness would be tested by adversity.

The coach said Mississippi State had made progress in shooting during practices from June through October, based on the program’s data, though he did not expect the team to sustain a 50% field-goal percentage or 39% 3-point percentage over the season. He said the Bulldogs still had room to improve, despite the win.

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