Mississippi State to Face Ole Miss in 274th Magnolia State Rivalry Game

Mississippi State men’s basketball will face Ole Miss on Saturday evening at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion in Oxford. The game marks the 274th meeting in the long-standing Magnolia State rivalry, with the Bulldogs holding a slight series edge at 152-121, according to school records.

State enters the game with an 11-13 overall record and a 3-8 mark in Southeastern Conference play. The Bulldogs are led by guards Josh Hubbard and Jayden Epps, who have combined to average 35.4 points per game. Hubbard, a junior, is among the SEC’s top scorers and is closing in on the school’s all-time three-point record. Epps has contributed significantly to the team’s scoring and playmaking.

Ole Miss also sports an 11-13 record and is seeking to snap a six-game losing streak. The Rebels feature a balanced scoring attack, with AJ Storr, Malik Dia, and Elias Kamardine averaging in double figures. Storr recently scored a season-high 27 points against Alabama, demonstrating his offensive ability.

Mississippi State has qualified for the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive seasons, a feat only achieved twice in program history. The Bulldogs are among seven SEC teams with an active streak of at least three NCAA appearances, according to the school.

The game will be televised on ESPN2 and can be streamed via the ESPN app and website. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:31 p.m. CT. Fans can follow live stats through Stat Broadcast or listen to coverage on the Mississippi State Sports Network, powered by Learfield.

Head coach Chris Jans, in his fourth season at State, is recognized as one of the nation’s top bench bosses. He has led the Bulldogs to 74 wins during his tenure, including three NCAA Tournament appearances. Jans, a three-time WAC Coach of the Year, has built a program known for its strong defense and disciplined play, aiming to extend the team’s NCAA streak.

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