Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

Mississippi State Achieves Overtime Victory Over Ole Miss

Mississippi State Bulldogs in action during a college basketball game

News Summary

In a thrilling overtime clash, Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated Ole Miss Rebels 84-81, marking Coach Chris Jans’ 200th career victory. The game, a testament to both teams’ competitive spirit, showcased standout performances from Riley Kugel and KeShawn Murphy. The Bulldogs secured the win amid a charged atmosphere following their recent losses, and their victory propels them into crucial upcoming matches against top-ranked teams. Mississippi State fans are optimistic as the team rides high on their hard-fought success.

Mississippi State Strikes Gold in Overtime Against Ole Miss

Starkville, Mississippi – A thrilling showdown unfolded this past Saturday when the Mississippi State Bulldogs battled the Ole Miss Rebels in a nail-biting overtime clash that wrapped up with a dramatic score of 84-81. Not only did this victory serve as a much-needed boost for the Bulldogs, but it also marked a personal milestone for their head coach, Chris Jans, as he celebrated his 200th career victory.

Setting the Stage for a Classic Rivalry

Basketball fans were in for a treat as this match was the first time in the history of the Mississippi State program that the team found themselves in a rare situation—playing three consecutive ranked-versus-ranked games during the regular season. With an impressive record of 15-3 and sitting at 3-2 in the SEC, the Bulldogs entered the game facing off against the Rebels, who held a similar overall record but boasted a slightly better 4-1 SEC standing.

Hopes Riding High

With the stakes this high, Coach Jans conveyed that this game was a must-win, a reality that weighed heavily on him following two back-to-back losses prior to this matchup. The atmosphere was charged with expectancy as fans filled the arena, hopeful for a Bulldogs turnaround.

First Half Dominance

The Bulldogs came out strong, showcasing their talents and determination right from the start. At one point, they extended their lead to a comfortable 14 points in the first half, heading into halftime with a solid 37-29 advantage. The performance was a breath of fresh air for the players and fans alike, reigniting their confidence as they eyed a much-needed victory.

Drama Unfolds in Regulation

74-74 and sending it into overtime. The tension in the air could be cut with a knife as fans held their breath for the impending extra period.

Final Showdown

In the overtime period, the Bulldogs showed resilience, battling hard for every point. The star of the night was Riley Kugel, who soared to lead the team with 21 points, hitting a couple of free throws that solidified MSU’s win in the final moments. Alongside Kugel, KeShawn Murphy added a respectable 18 points, while RJ Melendez marked his presence with 12 points and seven rebounds. Not to be overlooked, Josh Hubbard and Cameron Matthews each contributed 10 points, with Matthews also securing an impressive 11 rebounds.

Ole Miss Pushes Back

20 points, followed closely by Sean Pedulla with 18 points and Murrell, who tallied 15 points—all earned in the second half. Despite their efforts, the Rebels struggled to match the Bulldogs in rebounding, being out-rebounded 51-29 overall, with a staggering 25-10 advantage for MSU in the first half.

Looking Ahead

No. 6 Tennessee and South Carolina on the road, followed by a high-stakes home game against No. 5 Alabama on January 29. It’s safe to say that the excitement is only just beginning for Mississippi State fans, who are riding high on this hard-fought victory!