Five Key Points: State Faces No. 16 Iowa State Showdown

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Five Key Points: State Faces No. 16 Iowa State Showdown

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to face their first Big 12 challenger, the No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones. This exciting matchup will take place on Monday evening at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Bulldogs are entering the game with an overall record of 1-0 following a significant victory against North Alabama.

Matchup Overview

This game marks the first of three contests where Mississippi State will clash with teams from the Big 12 Conference this season. After Iowa State, the Bulldogs will also face Kansas State and Utah in upcoming matchups.

Season Performance

Mississippi State: 1-0 overall; strong performance against North Alabama with a 24-point margin.
Iowa State: 2-0 overall; victories against Fairleigh Dickinson and Grambling State.

Historical Context

In previous encounters, the Bulldogs have enjoyed success against Iowa State, winning all three matchups. Their last meeting in the 2021 SEC/Big 12 Challenge ended in a decisive 95-56 victory for Mississippi State. Key players in that game included Iverson Molinar and D.J. Stewart Jr.

Key Players to Watch

Mississippi State’s performance will heavily rely on the contributions of its key players, including:

Josh Hubbard: A consensus All-SEC Preseason First-Team pick, Hubbard’s scoring ability was evident last season.
Shawn Jones Jr.: He has made significant contributions from the bench throughout his four-year tenure.
Dellquan Warren: A versatile player who has shown promise in his recent performances.

Coaching and Strategy

Under the leadership of Chris Jans, Mississippi State aims to build on its recent successes. Jans has established a strong track record, including leading the team to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. His coaching style emphasizes defensive strength, which has consistently yielded low scores for opponents.

Looking Ahead

Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as the Bulldogs take on Iowa State. Tickets for this and upcoming non-conference games can be purchased through Mississippi State’s Athletic Ticket Office. The matchup promises to be a crucial early test for both teams as they navigate their non-conference schedules.

As the Bulldogs prepare to face the Cyclones, all eyes will be on their ability to leverage their home court advantage and maintain their momentum from the opening game.