Mississippi State Hosts No. 15 Vanderbilt in SEC Showdown

Mississippi State men’s basketball will host No. 15 Vanderbilt on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Humphrey Coliseum, marking the Bulldogs’ second game against a ranked SEC opponent this season, according to the school’s athletics department.

State enters the game with a 10-9 record overall and a 2-4 mark in SEC play. The Bulldogs are led by guards Josh Hubbard and Jayden Epps, who have combined for 36.9 points per game, the second-highest duo in the conference, the department said. Vanderbilt (16-3, 3-3 SEC) opened the season with 16 straight wins before losing three consecutive games to Texas, Florida, and Arkansas.

The Commodores feature four players averaging double figures, including Tyler Tanner (17.1 points per game, 5.3 assists), Duke Miles (16.6 PPG, 4.3 assists), Tyler Nickel (14.8 PPG), and Devin McGlockton (10.2 PPG, 6.8 rebounds), according to Vanderbilt’s roster. Tanner has scored in double figures in all 19 games this season, with six 20-plus point efforts.

Mississippi State is aiming for its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, a feat last achieved in 2002-05. The Bulldogs have made three straight trips, matching a program record, and are among seven SEC teams and 25 NCAA schools with such a streak, the school said. Humphrey Coliseum has become known for its electric atmosphere during the Chris Jans era, with the facility celebrating its 50th anniversary last December.

The series between the teams favors Vanderbilt, which leads 81-55 overall. Mississippi State has won two straight meetings and six of the last eight dating back to the 2018-19 season, the department noted.

The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+ and ESPN app, with radio coverage provided by the Mississippi State Sports Network. Live stats are available through the school’s website.

Head coach Chris Jans is in his fourth season leading the Bulldogs, boasting a .699 winning percentage and a history of NCAA Tournament appearances at multiple programs, the department reported. His squad features key players like Hubbard, a two-time All-SEC Second-Team selection and one of the top scorers in the league, as well as Jones Jr. and Warren, who contribute offensively and defensively.

Mississippi State’s recruiting class includes transfers Achor Achor, Amier Ali, Quincy Ballard, Jayden Epps, Sergej Macura, Ja’Borri McGhee, and Brandon Walker, adding depth and experience to the roster, according to the school.

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