Mississippi State basketball opened SEC play in exciting fashion. The Bulldogs went into Austin Saturday evening to face the Texas Longhorns and prevailed in an overtime shootout, 101-98. State is now 9-5 on the season and 1-0 in the SEC.
Josh Hubbard and Jayden Epps continue to carry the Mississippi State offense
Mississippi State officially has one of the better scoring duos the program has seen in recent history between Josh Hubbard and Jayden Epps. The guards combined for 65 of the Bulldogs' 101 points. Hubbard posted a season-high 38 points. It was not an efficient shooting night for the face of the program, going 10-31 from the floor and 6-17 overall. But he delivered when State needed him to, hitting a needed three in the final minute to help force overtime and then draining a go-ahead three with 39 seconds remaining that would ultimately be the deciding bucket.
Epps was brilliant too with 27 points and five assists. He also made several big shots throughout the game and led the offense when Hubbard was on the bench. It's been a long time since MSU has had a pair of electric scorers like this in their backcourt. The Bulldogs still need more to develop around them, but those two give them a chance.
Achor Achor gave the Bulldogs a strong performance
While Hubbard and Epps have consistently shined for State, getting production elsewhere has been hit or miss. One player who seems to be rounding into form, however, is forward Achor Achor. The transfer was respectable to close out non-conference play, and against Texas, he had his best game of the year. Achor went for 10 points on an efficient shooting day and 13 rebounds. He added three blocks on the defensive end.
Having a physical player inside would be greatly beneficial for the Bulldogs. Ideally, Achor can continue growing. If MSU can find at least one consistent threat in the front court, their chances of winning in SEC play will go up dramatically.
Mississippi State basketball looks to be turning a corner
After a 4-5 start to the season with multiple frustrating losses, Mississippi State basketball has now reeled off five-straight wins. Their comeback win at Utah seems to have sparked something, and though they haven't necessarily looked great in these recent games, they're winning.
It's far too early to begin having any real conversations about whether or not the Bulldogs can turn this season around to the point of playing meaningful basketball come March. But it's clear they're improving. Players are settling into roles, and they're a team capable of playing competitive ball. That's a win given where they were just one month ago.