How to watch Mississippi State basketball's first real test against Utah

Game time, TV channel, point spread, and score prediction for Mississippi State basketball vs Utah.

Feb 29, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) lays the ball up against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Feb 29, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) lays the ball up against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Mississippi State basketball (3-0) gets their first true test of the season on Sunday when they face the Utah Runnin' Utes. Here's how you can watch the game plus some notes on the matchup...

Game time and TV channel for for Mississippi State basketball vs Utah

The Bulldogs play their first neutral-site (at least partially so) game of the season against Utah in Southaven, MS Sunday afternoon. The game is scheduled to tipoff at 3:00 PM CT. For the first time this season, State fans won't have to go to streaming to watch the Bulldogs in action. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

The Runnin' Utes have been dominant on both ends to start the season

Utah has been impressive to start the season. The Runnin' Utes are 3-0, having won their games by an average final score of 98-62. Though they've not at all faced tough competition, they're thoroughly destroying teams. They are a fantastic 3-point shooting team, connecting on a nation's best 17 3-pointers a game at a 44% clip. Senior guard Gabe Madsen is the best of the bunch, averaging over 25 PPG. They're great on defense as well, holding opponents to just 34% shooting and being dominant on the defensive boards. Expectations weren't high for this team entering the year, but they're raising eyebrows.

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Utah Utes point spread

According to DraftKings, Mississippi State is a 6.0 point favorite over Utah on Sunday. The over/under for the game is set at 151.

Score prediction for Mississippi State basketball vs Utah

This will be a legitimately challenging game for Mississippi State. Utah has been a prolific shooting team with a notable size advantage. How State handles their length on the court will likely determine the outcome. I'm going to trust the Bulldogs early in the season, especially with this game being in their home state, but I expect a tight, high-scoring affair.

Mississippi State wins 87-81