The Memphis Tigers return home after two impressive road wins against Clemson and Virginia, bolstering their NCAA Tournament resume with seven Quad 1 and Quad 2 victories. On Saturday, they face the Mississippi State Bulldogs in what promises to be a critical non-conference showdown. This matchup pits two teams vying to solidify their positions as contenders on the national stage.
For Memphis, ranked No. 21 in the latest AP Poll, this game represents an opportunity to maintain their momentum against a Bulldogs team riding high with a 10-1 record. Head coach Penny Hardaway has emphasized the importance of these non-conference games, knowing that victories here carry more weight than wins in the American Athletic Conference.
“They do not respect one team in our conference, which is unfortunate,” said Hardaway. “If you just win our conference, you’ll be an 8, 9, or lower seed. That’s not what we want. We want a 4-seed or higher to put us in a position where we can have a couple of games – that’s how most of these teams get to the Sweet 16 every year.”
With games against Mississippi State and Ole Miss still ahead, Memphis knows the stakes are high.
Mississippi State Bulldogs Scouting Report
Head Coach: Chris Jans
Record: 10-1
Notable Wins: Pittsburgh, UNLV, SMU
Only Loss: Butler
The Bulldogs are off to a scorching start this season, thanks to their balanced attack and suffocating defense. Ranked sixth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, Mississippi State thrives on disrupting opponents’ rhythm and capitalizing on turnovers.
Stat Leaders
- Leading Scorer: Josh Hubbard – 18.0 PPG, 44.3 FG%, 40.7 3P%
- Top Rebounder: KeShawn Murphy – 7.5 RPG, 10.2 PPG
- Assists & Steals Leader: Cameron Matthews – 3.8 APG, 2.5 SPG
Team Strengths
- Defensive Pressure: The Bulldogs are ninth in the nation in steals per game (9.9), forcing turnovers at an alarming rate.
- Rebounding Dominance: Averaging 39.5 rebounds per game, they rank 33rd nationally.
- Scoring Efficiency: Mississippi State averages 84.1 points per game, with a scoring margin of +16.4 (26th nationally).
Key Players to Watch
- Josh Hubbard: The freshman guard leads the Bulldogs in scoring and is a reliable outside shooter, making 40.7% of his three-point attempts.
- Cameron Matthews: A versatile forward who leads the team in assists and steals while shooting an impressive 50% from beyond the arc.
- Claudell Harris Jr. is a consistent secondary scorer with a 42% field goal percentage.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Josh Hubbard vs. Tyrese Hunter
The battle of the backcourts will take center stage. Hubbard has been a revelation for Mississippi State, but Hunter’s experience and defensive intensity could disrupt the Bulldogs’ offensive flow. - KeShawn Murphy vs. Dain Dainja
Murphy leads the Bulldogs in rebounding, but he’ll face stiff competition in Memphis’ Dain Dainja, who has been a force on the boards and a reliable scorer off the bench. - Memphis’ Perimeter Defense vs. Mississippi State’s Three-Point Shooting
The Bulldogs excel from beyond the arc, shooting 34.1% as a team. Memphis must lock down shooters like Hubbard and Matthews to prevent an offensive explosion. - Bench Production
Both teams rely heavily on their starting lineups, but the bench contributions could swing the game. Players like Memphis’ Dainja and Mississippi State’s Claudell Harris Jr. will play pivotal roles in keeping their teams competitive during stretches when starters rest.
What to Watch For
- Turnover Battle: Mississippi State forces 9.9 steals per game, while Memphis averages 14 turnovers per game. It could be a long night if the Tigers fail to protect the ball.
- Rebounding Edge: Memphis must match the Bulldogs’ intensity on the boards, especially on the defensive end, to limit second-chance opportunities.
- Memphis’ Three-Point Shooting: Memphis struggled from deep against Virginia, going 5-for-22. Improving their shooting efficiency will be key against Mississippi State’s aggressive defense.
Score Prediction
This matchup promises to be a tightly contested affair between two physical, defensive-minded teams. While Mississippi State’s defense has been stellar, Memphis’ ability to adjust in the second half and their home-court advantage will likely tilt the scales. Expect another nail-biter, but the Tigers prevail.
Prediction: Memphis 94, Mississippi State 89
Closing Thoughts
This game serves as a pivotal moment for both programs. For Memphis, it’s an opportunity to solidify their standing in the top 25 and build a stronger case for a high seed in March. For Mississippi State, it’s a chance to prove their mettle against a ranked opponent on the road. With two high-powered offenses and physical defenses, this game is a must-watch for college basketball fans.
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