Mississippi State Faces Texas A&M in SEC Basketball Showdown
Bryan-College Station, Texas — Mississippi State men’s basketball travels to Reed Arena on Wednesday to face SEC co-leader Texas A&M. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. Central Time, with live coverage on the SEC Network and the ESPN app.
The Bulldogs are 10-8 overall and 2-3 in SEC play. They are led by guards Josh Hubbard and Jayden Epps, who have combined for an average of 37.8 points per game, second among SEC duos this season. Texas A&M, sitting at 14-4 and 4-1 in the SEC, averages 91.9 points per game and has six players averaging in double figures. Rashaun Agee and Ruben Dominguez are the team’s top scorers, with Agee posting multiple double-doubles in SEC games, including a 17-point, 11-rebound effort in a recent win over Texas.
Mississippi State has secured its third consecutive NCAA Tournament bid for the first time since the early 2000s. The Bulldogs aim to make it four straight trips, a feat last achieved from 2001 to 2005. Humphrey Coliseum has been one of the nation’s most energetic venues during coach Chris Jans’ tenure, with high attendance figures and the arena celebrating its 50th anniversary in December.
In series history, Mississippi State and Texas A&M have split their 20 meetings. The home team has won the last four matchups. The Bulldogs defeated the Aggies 70-54 last season at Humphrey Coliseum.
Jans, now in his fourth season leading Mississippi State, boasts a winning percentage of .701 and has guided the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including this season. He is considered one of the nation’s top coaches, with a career record of 216-92, and has previously coached at New Mexico State, Wichita State, and Bowling Green.
Key players for Mississippi State include Josh Hubbard, a two-time All-SEC Second-Team selection and preseason All-SEC First Team pick. Hubbard ranks among the SEC leaders in points per game and three-point shooting. Shawn Jones Jr. and sophomore guard Dellquan Warren also contribute significantly, with Jones Jr. averaging a career-best 5.7 points per game and Warren providing depth off the bench.
The Bulldogs’ roster also features transfer additions such as Achor Achor from Samford and Kansas State, Amier Ali from Arizona State, Quincy Ballard from Florida State and Wichita State, and others, aiming to bolster the team’s postseason hopes.
Mississippi State looks to continue its NCAA Tournament streak and secure a victory against the top-ranked Aggies on their home court.
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