Josh Hubbard’s standout performance propelled No. 17 Mississippi State to a dominant 85-50 victory over visiting South Carolina in their Southeastern Conference opener on Saturday in Starkville, Miss. Hubbard’s 21 points led the charge as Mississippi State asserted its dominance early and never relented.
Hubbard, who struggled with his shooting in the preceding four games, found his rhythm by converting 7 of 13 attempts from the field. Particularly impressive was his improvement from beyond the arc, sinking five 3-pointers after a lackluster 1-of-9 performance in the previous game against Bethune-Cookman.
Joining Hubbard in the scoring column was Claudell Harris, who contributed 17 points and nine rebounds on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting night. The Mississippi State squad collectively shot a stellar 56.5 percent from the field and capitalized on their inside presence, amassing 52 points in the paint. Riley Kugel and Keshawn Murphy each added 12 points, with Murphy’s defensive prowess showcased through his four blocked shots.
Despite Zachary Davis’ 22-point effort for South Carolina, the Gamecocks faced significant challenges. Notably, Collin Murray-Boyles, their leading scorer, was limited to just five points on 2-of-9 shooting and was responsible for six of the team’s 14 turnovers. South Carolina’s offensive struggles were evident as they shot a paltry 29.1 percent from the field and connected on only 2 of 19 attempts from beyond the arc.
Mississippi State, boasting a 13-1 record and riding a seven-game winning streak, controlled the game from the outset. The Bulldogs secured their seventh consecutive victory and continued their streak of double-digit wins by overpowering a South Carolina team that had previously edged them in a close contest in Starkville.
In contrast, the Gamecocks, with a 10-4 record, saw their seven-game winning streak halted by Mississippi State, culminating in their lowest offensive output of the season. This defeat sets them up for challenging matchups against fifth-ranked Alabama and No. 2 Auburn in their upcoming home games.
Mississippi State wasted no time in establishing their dominance, surging to a double-digit lead early in the game. Kugel’s free throws extended their advantage to 15-2, sparking a 13-0 run that set the tone for the remainder of the contest. With Harris’ layup contributing to a 24-6 lead, the Bulldogs continued their relentless pursuit of points, eventually securing a 43-18 halftime lead with a series of layups.
The second half saw Mississippi State maintaining their intensity, extending their lead to 30 points within the opening minutes. Hubbard’s 3-pointer further widened the gap, eventually reaching 37 points as the Bulldogs showcased their depth by rotating in bench players.
The comprehensive victory underscores Mississippi State’s prowess and sets the stage for a promising season ahead. With a balanced
