Mississippi State continued its 2025-2026 journey on Friday night as it welcomed the Mustangs of SMU to the Hump for an NCAA Tournament-caliber non-conference matchup. Mississippi State, fresh off an overtime thriller, 81-78, over New Orleans on Monday night, came into the matchup with SMU looking to earn a quality win while building an identity that represents Coach Jans and Mississippi State basketball with honor. With a 3-3 record and Georgia Tech looming on the horizon, Mississippi State needed a boost of confidence with a win over SMU on Friday night. 

Mississippi State opened the game by winning the opening tip before SMU jumped out to an early 8-5 lead at the under-16 media timeout of the first half. At the under-12 first media timeout, SMU’s lead was still three with an 18-15 advantage over the Bulldogs. At the final media timeout of the first half, the Mississippi State Bulldogs held on to a 33-32 lead over SMU. Mississippi State would extend its lead to 43-39 at the half. 

Looking like a brand new, improved team in the first half, it was Jayden Epps leading the way in scoring for Mississippi State with 15 first-half points. 

Mississippi State looked like a brand-new team in the first half, with only two turnovers and someone other than Josh Hubbard leading the Bulldogs in scoring. Mississippi State came out in the first half and kept taking the fight to SMU before building a small lead and carrying the mometum into a pivotal second half. 

Mississippi State held on to a 50-47 lead over SMU at the first media timeout of the first half with 13:47 remaining in the game. Mississippi State extended the lead to eight with a 58-50 advantage over SMU at the under-12 media timeout. At the under-8 media timeout, it was the Mississippi State Bulldogs all over SMU with a 61-52 lead over the Mustangs with 7:51 to play. SMU put together a quick 7-0 run from the under-8 media timeout, forcing a Mississippi State timeout as the Mustangs cut it to 61-59 with 6:41 on the game clock. At the final media timeout of the game, it was Mississippi State holding on to a 68-63 lead over SMU with 3:19 remaining in the game. Regulation wouldn’t be enough for SMU and Mississippi State as the Mustangs tied it at 74-74 and sent it to OT. SMU came out swinging in OT and Mississippi State did not have an answer as SMU comes into the Hump and escapes with a win.

Mississippi State had a balanced scoring attack with four guys scoring in the double figures, with Jayden Epps leading the way with 21 points.

Just a brutal loss for Mississippi State.

Mississippi State will return to action on Wednesday night with a road game at Georgia Tech, another chance to earn a win over an ACC team. 

Photo Credits- Mississippi State Basketball on X