Mississippi State falls to Southern University in Men’s Basketball

Article by Matthew Willis

Mississippi State was unable to capitalize on a 12-point lead with 6 minutes remaining in the game as Coach Jans dropped his first home non-conference game in Starkville. The 60-59 loss to Southern University gives Coach Jans a 10-1 non-conference record over a 2-year span.

Freshman Josh Hubbard has stepped up for this Mississippi State team and recorded his seventh straight game in double figures. He scored a team-high 14 points, shooting 4-12 from the field. Senior Cameron Matthews put 12 points on the board and picked up 4 rebounds. He also led the team with 4 steals and a block.

Tai’Reon Joseph had an impressive game for Southern as he scored a game-high 27 points and picked up 6 rebounds. He shot 52% from the field and played the entire 40 minutes in only his 9th Division 1 basketball game.

Jimmy Bell Jr. worked to protect the rim and limit Southern from attacking the basket. Bell Jr. started his 42nd consecutive game over the last two seasons, secured 13 rebounds, and added 5 points.

The Bulldogs led by 12 with 6 minutes remaining in the final half but a 15-2 run by the Jaguars would slice the lead and a go-ahead layup would give the Jaguars the victory and their second win of the season.

Mississippi State will look to bounce back in the final 5 games of the non-conference schedule with SEC play beginning in just a couple of weeks.

Mississippi State will play Tulane in the Holiday Hoopsgiving Classic on Saturday, December 9th. Tip-off is set for 10:30 am and will be streamed on SEC Network.