Auburn defeats Mississippi State 79-61 in SEC Tournament opener
Auburn defeated Mississippi State 79-61 Wednesday in the opening round of the SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. The Bulldogs fell to 13-19 overall, ending an eight-game winning streak in SEC Tournament openers, according to team sources.
The first half featured five ties and five lead changes before Mississippi State went on a 12-1 run over 5 minutes and 27 seconds, turning a 22-21 deficit into a 33-23 lead. Josh Hubbard and Jayden Epps each scored five points during that stretch. Auburn responded with seven straight points in the final 2 minutes and 34 seconds of the half to cut the deficit to 33-30 at halftime.
Mississippi State, which is 10-4 this season when leading at halftime, opened the second half with five quick points. However, Auburn gained momentum, scoring 21 of the next 23 points over 6 minutes and 12 seconds. The Bulldogs mounted a final rally, with Hubbard’s three-point play bringing the score to 56-53 with 9:25 remaining. The Tigers responded with a turnover, transition layup, and free throw to extend their lead.
Auburn closed out the game by limiting Mississippi State to just three field goals in the last 10 minutes, sealing the 18-point victory. The Bulldogs shot 39.1% (25-of-64) from the field, 26.1% (6-of-23) from three-point range, and 33.3% (5-of-15) at the free throw line. They outscored Auburn in the paint, 32-22.
Josh Hubbard led Mississippi State with 22 points, marking his 82nd consecutive start and his team-leading 55th game with at least 20 points this season. He scored on 8-of-25 shooting, including 2-of-8 from three, and made 4-of-5 free throws. Hubbard now has 1,947 career points, placing him fourth on Mississippi State’s all-time scoring list and 66 points shy of third place. He also surpassed five SEC players on the league’s scoring list, ending the game ranked 34th, and passed Bailey Howell for the third-most points in a single season at State with 707.
Jayden Epps added 14 points for Mississippi State, making his ninth straight start. He finished his collegiate career with 1,587 points, including 213 three-pointers, along with 300 assists and 105 steals. Shawn Jones Jr., in his 28th start of the season, contributed four points, three rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. He tied his career high with three blocks, matching a performance earlier this season against Auburn.
Achor Achor and Quincy Ballard also contributed, with Achor starting his 26th game and scoring seven points with eight rebounds. Ballard scored six points and led the team with eight rebounds. State’s bench scored 16 points, with contributions from Jamarion Davis-Fleming, Sergej Macura, and Ja’Borri McGhee.
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