In Memphis, Tennessee, Riley Kugel led the way for Mississippi State, scoring 19 points, while KeShawn Murphy contributed with 13 points and nine rebounds. The Bulldogs triumphed over the 21st-ranked Memphis team with a final score of 79-66 on Saturday.

Alongside Kugel and Murphy, Josh Hubbard also added 13 points and Cameron Matthews chipped in 12 points along with six assists. Mississippi State (11-1) surged ahead early, taking a commanding 20-point lead and maintaining control throughout the game, marking their fifth consecutive victory.

PJ Haggerty was the standout for Memphis (9-3), finishing with 24 points, while Tyrese Hunter supported the team with 19 points of his own. However, the Bulldogs’ defense was crucial, forcing the Tigers to shoot just 36% overall, including a dismal 8 of 27 from three-point range. Additionally, Memphis struggled with ball security, committing 18 turnovers.

Observations from the game revealed that Mississippi State, on the verge of breaking into the Top 25 rankings, demonstrated strong performance that may well secure their place in the polls after this notable win. In contrast, Memphis has had a tumultuous season; following a disappointing loss to Arkansas State earlier this month, they managed to climb back into the rankings with victories against Clemson and Virginia, only to falter again against the Bulldogs.

A critical point in the matchup came as Mississippi State’s defense created significant challenges for Memphis. The Tigers managed to throw away possessions and could not find their rhythm, shooting under 30% for a considerable part of the first half. This struggle led to a 13-0 run by the Bulldogs, who positioned themselves comfortably with a 20-point lead heading into the halftime break.

When examining key statistics, Mississippi State showcased their shooting prowess beyond the arc, converting 9 of 18 attempts from distance during the first half. This performance is notable for a team that typically hits about 34% of their shots from three-point territory throughout the season.

Looking ahead, Mississippi State will next face Bethune-Cookman at home on December 30, while Memphis will host No. 17 Ole Miss on December 28.