COLUMBIA, S.C. — In an intense showdown on Saturday, No. 14 Mississippi State managed to secure a 65-60 win over South Carolina, thanks to Josh Hubbard’s crucial free throws with just 56.5 seconds remaining in overtime. This victory came after the Bulldogs squandered a significant 14-point lead during the last nine minutes of regulation.
Mississippi State (16-4, 4-3 Southeastern Conference) appeared to be in control, leading 50-36 with 8:50 left on the clock. However, the Gamecocks fought back valiantly, leveling the score when Zachary Davis capitalized on a loose ball and brought the game to a tie at 55 with just 26.1 seconds to go.
Alabama transfer Nick Pringle nearly provided another equalizer following Hubbard’s free throws, scoring a basket that would have tied the game again. Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, the basket was disallowed due to interference. For Mississippi State, Riley Kugel emerged as the leading scorer with 15 points.
Despite the defeat, South Carolina (10-10, 0-7) faced a tough week, experiencing heartbreak in another close home game after falling to No. 5 Florida 70-69, also after leading by 14 in the second half. Jamarii Thomas stood out for the Gamecocks with an impressive 19-point performance.
Takeaway points from the game highlight that Mississippi State welcomed this win after struggling with three losses in their last four outings, all against ranked SEC teams. Meanwhile, South Carolina faced an unfortunate milestone, marking their first time losing their initial seven games in conference play.
A pivotal moment occurred when Collin Murray-Boyles scored to narrow the game to 21-20 with 3:19 left before halftime. The Bulldogs then surged ahead with a 7-0 run, resulting in a 28-20 lead at halftime.
An essential statistic from the game was Mississippi State’s defensive effort, which limited South Carolina to just five field goals in the first half.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State will return home to challenge No. 4 Alabama on Wednesday night. South Carolina will seek to avoid an 0-8 start in the SEC when they face Georgia on Tuesday night.
