Mississippi State’s Jans Criticizes Lack of Intensity in Loss to No. 15 Vanderbilt

Mississippi State coach Chris Jans said his team was caught off guard by Vanderbilt’s intensity in Saturday’s 88-56 loss to the No. 15 Commodores. Jans noted that the Bulldogs did not match Vanderbilt’s energy at the start of the game, which set the tone for the remainder of the contest.

Jans attributed the sluggish start to a disrupted routine stemming from travel issues and schedule adjustments. Despite acknowledging that these circumstances could have impacted the team, he emphasized that they did not serve as an excuse for the performance, which he called unacceptable.

“They brought great intensity to the start of the game,” Jans said. “We didn’t have the right mental approach or the physicality, the intensity, or the attention to detail that we know we need. The game was decided early. We didn’t respond after falling behind, and that was disappointing.”

The coach also highlighted the importance of leadership and team effort in tough moments. He stressed the need for the team to stay united and compete harder on the road, especially against well-prepared opponents like Vanderbilt.

Jans praised Vanderbilt’s players, particularly Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles, for their performance in the paint, and admitted that his team struggled to contain them. He emphasized that increased effort and motor are necessary for Mississippi State to improve going forward.

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