Mississippi State falls to South Carolina 97-89 on the road

Mississippi State lost to South Carolina 97-89 Saturday on the road. Coach Chris Jans credited the Gamecocks’ inside and perimeter scoring for the result, emphasizing individual performances and strategic adjustments.

Jans praised South Carolina’s Elijah Strong, who he said had his best game based on film review. Strong made three three-pointers early and finished with a notable offensive performance. Jans also highlighted Quincy Ballard, who went 6-for-8 from the field and grabbed 10 rebounds in 23 minutes.

The Bulldogs faced challenges with South Carolina’s defense, which limited their key scorer Josh Hubbard and disrupted their offensive flow. Jans noted the Gamecocks’ focus on Hubbard and their effective defensive plan. Additionally, losing guard Jaden Epps to injury before halftime impacted Mississippi State’s offense, as Epps had 13 points at the break.

Jans said the team adjusted by increasing minutes for other players, including King Grace, and tried to keep Hubbard fresh. He acknowledged South Carolina’s effective three-point shooting, which was aided by players like Meechie Johnson, who scored 19 points and dished nine assists. Jans pointed out that Johnson’s ability to draw fouls and make free throws contributed significantly to his impact on the game.

Overall, Jans attributed the turnaround in South Carolina’s confidence to their successful shooting and execution, noting that their early lead and subsequent shots shifted momentum in their favor. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and adjusting on the road in future games.

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