Mississippi State University men’s basketball kicked off its season with a statement, dismantling West Georgia 95-60 in Humphrey Coliseum. The Bulldogs, who have retooled their roster under head coach Chris Jans, demonstrated an impressive offensive improvement that could signal a turning point for the program.
Returning guard Josh Hubbard shined in his sophomore season debut, dropping 26 points, including a blistering six-for-seven performance from beyond the arc. But unlike last season, Hubbard had help in the form of Boston College transfer Claudell Harris Jr., who added 20 points on six three-pointers of his own. Their tandem threat from the deep gave Mississippi State a dynamic offensive edge rarely seen in recent years.
“It was great to come out and get that kind of support from the fans,” Harris said. “They set the tone, and it gave me confidence off the bench.”
Harris quickly adapted to his role alongside Hubbard. The two formed a backcourt that looked unstoppable Monday night. The Bulldogs’ 14 three-pointers marked a single-game high in the Chris Jans era. This offensive prowess showcased the impact of offseason recruiting efforts focused on bolstering offensive depth.
Starting with a smaller lineup featuring Hubbard and Penn State transfer Kanye Clary as dual ball-handlers, the Bulldogs initially struggled on the boards. But after a back-and-forth first half, MSU found its rhythm, extending its lead to double digits by halftime and cruising through the second half. KeShawn Murphy, a returning forward who briefly entered the transfer portal before recommitting to Mississippi State, made his first start and contributed across the board with seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
“I came back to be a part of something special, and tonight was just a taste of that,” Murphy said.
The Bulldogs’ defensive intensity was equally impressive, forcing 20 turnovers and converting them into 31 points. Many of these points came from fast-break opportunities, where the team capitalized on quick transitions after turnovers or missed shots by the opposing team. Fast-break points occur when players move swiftly down the court to score before the defense can set up, often leading to high-percentage shots like layups or dunks. Mississippi State’s 26-4 advantage in fast-break points illustrated the team’s aggressiveness and speed, aligning with Jans’ vision of a faster-paced game this season.
Mississippi State’s resounding victory offers a promising glimpse of what is to come, as new additions and a refreshed system appear to be taking shape.
The Bulldogs return to action Friday evening at home against Georgia State at 6:30 p.m., hoping to continue building on the momentum of their season opener.
