The Mississippi State basketball team, in their annual semi-home game, faced off against North Texas at the Cadence Bank Arena on Sunday in a chilly atmosphere. The game took place on a temporary court set up on an ice rink for the holiday season, adding to the unique ambiance of the match.
The Bulldogs experienced a slow start, missing their first seven shots and struggling to find their rhythm. This allowed North Texas to build an 11-point lead in the first half, posing a significant challenge for Mississippi State. However, the Bulldogs mounted a strong comeback, finishing the first half with a 22-7 run and ultimately securing a 72-54 victory.
Forward KeShawn Murphy played a crucial role in the team’s turnaround, finishing with a career-high 18 points. His performance was particularly noteworthy given his limited playing time in the early part of the season due to an injury. D.J. Jeffries also excelled in the second half, contributing 12 of his 13 points during that period.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State has two nonconference games remaining before commencing SEC play in January. They will face Rutgers on December 23 and Bethune-Cookman on December 31, providing them with opportunities to refine their strategies and build momentum for the upcoming conference games.
Coach Chris Jans, in his second season with the Bulldogs, has demonstrated his leadership and ability to guide the team through challenging situations, ultimately securing another impressive win for Mississippi State.
For more updates and comprehensive coverage of Mississippi State basketball, individuals can contact Stefan Krajisnik, the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger, via email at [email protected] or follow him on the X platform, also known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.
As the Bulldogs continue to make progress in their season, fans eagerly await their future games and the team’s prospects in the upcoming SEC matchups.