JACKSON, Mississippi — Claudell Harris Jr. delivered a standout performance, hitting five 3-pointers and contributing 19 points, while Michael Nwoko added 18 points to lead Mississippi State to an easy 83-59 win against Central Michigan during Magnolia Madness on Tuesday evening.

Harris showcased his shooting prowess, converting 7 of 13 field goal attempts, including 5 of 8 from three-point range. This victory marked the Bulldogs’ fourth consecutive win, raising their overall record to 10-1. Nwoko’s solid performance included making 8 of 12 shots along with pulling down seven rebounds.

In addition to Harris and Nwoko, Josh Hubbard collected 11 points for Mississippi State. Though Cameron Matthews did not score, he excelled in rebounding, leading all players with 10 boards, coupled with a game-high seven assists.

The Chippewas were led by Jakobi Heady, who scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Anthony Pritchard contributed 15 points with three successful 3-pointers.

Harris’s strong first half saw him score 14 points, four of which came from beyond the arc, helping Mississippi State build a 32-25 lead by halftime. Heady was instrumental for Central Michigan in the first half, scoring eight points to keep their hopes alive.

Following an opening free throw from Nwoko, Heady’s 3-pointer initiated a 7-0 rally for Central Michigan. However, Hubbard quickly responded with a 3-pointer for the Bulldogs, leading to an 11-0 run that allowed Mississippi State to seize control of the game for good.

Nwoko then took charge early in the second half, scoring seven points in a 20-6 surge that allowed Mississippi State to extend their lead significantly and maintain a comfortable advantage.

The Bulldogs dominated in the paint, outscoring the Chippewas 44-16, while their bench displayed depth, outpacing Central Michigan’s bench 29-9.

Next, Mississippi State will head to Memphis to face the No. 21-ranked team on Saturday, while Central Michigan will travel to Arizona for their upcoming match on the same day.