Mississippi State fell to No. 21 Arkansas 88-68 Saturday at Humphrey Coliseum, opening the second half of the SEC schedule with a loss. Arkansas scored a 20-2 run early in the first half to take a 29-13 lead with 8:48 remaining.
The Bulldogs trimmed the deficit to 37-30 late in the first half, but Arkansas closed with a 6-0 run to lead 43-30 at halftime. The Razorbacks maintained their double-digit advantage throughout the second period, securing the 20-point victory.
The loss ended Mississippi State’s five-game winning streak over Arkansas at home. The Razorbacks now lead the all-time series 37-34, according to sources.
Mississippi State shot 45.9 percent from the floor, making 28 of 61 attempts, and was 3-of-15 from three-point range. The team connected on 9-of-14 free throws. Arkansas shot 52.2 percent, hitting 36 of 69 shots, and went 8-of-22 on three-pointers. The Razorbacks made 8 of 12 free throws.
Coach Chris Jans’ team is 11-7 overall this season and 67-25 under Jans when shooting at least 40 percent from the field. At Humphrey Coliseum, State is 7-5 this season and 40-18 in Jans’ four seasons. The Bulldogs are 2-4 this year in day games.
Player highlights included Josh Hubbard, who scored 16 points and moved within 126 points of fifth on Mississippi State’s all-time scoring list. Achor Achor added 15 points and eight rebounds, while Quincy Ballard contributed eight points and two blocks.
Mississippi State’s bench outscored Arkansas’s 21-8, with Jamarion Davis-Fleming delivering 12 points, his second-highest scoring effort of his career. Other bench players included King Grace, Jayden Epps, and Sergej Macura, who contributed a few points each.
Arkansas’s players, including Shawn Jones Jr., contributed key rebounds and points. The Razorbacks achieved a shooting efficiency advantage and maintained their lead for the duration of the game, securing their victory in the SEC matchup.
