Mississippi State's basketball team faced a tough moment during their game against South Carolina when starting guard Jayden Epps suffered a non-contact leg injury. The incident occurred as Epps landed awkwardly after attempting a jump shot, immediately clutching his left knee. The Georgetown transfer was assisted off the court by the MSU training staff and headed straight to the locker room, leaving fans and teammates concerned.
At that point in the game, the South Carolina Gamecocks held a 41-34 lead over the Bulldogs, with just under two minutes left in the first half. Epps had been a key contributor, already racking up 13 points and hitting three shots from beyond the arc for Mississippi State.
As the second half commenced, Epps was seen on the bench with his left knee wrapped in ice, clearly in discomfort. Coach Chris Jans took the unusual step of walking onto the court to check on his player, a testament to Epps' importance to the team.
Epps has been a standout performer this season, ranking second on the team with an average of 14.2 points per game. His contributions extend beyond scoring, as he also averages 2.2 assists and 2.5 rebounds, shooting 40.3% from the field and 31.0% from three-point range. His absence on the court is undoubtedly a significant blow to the Bulldogs as they navigate the remainder of the season.