Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard Set to Challenge South Carolina
As Mississippi State gears up to face South Carolina on Saturday afternoon in Columbia, S.C., they’re riding high on the back of a crucial SEC win. The Bulldogs, sitting at 13-13 overall and 5-8 in the SEC, are looking to keep their momentum rolling.
Josh Hubbard was nothing short of spectacular in their recent 91-85 victory over Auburn. He set a school record with 10 three-pointers, racking up a career-high 46 points. But make no mistake, this win was a team effort.
Coach Chris Jans couldn't hold back his pride, praising his squad for their resilience. "Couldn't be prouder of a group of young men that stayed together," Jans remarked. The Bulldogs showed grit, with several players stepping up in the final minutes to secure the win.
Hubbard, who’s currently leading the SEC with 22.4 points per game, has been on fire, scoring over 30 points in each of his last three games. Complementing Hubbard’s performance, Jayden Epps added 13 points, while Shawn Jones Jr. contributed with 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three blocks against Auburn.
On the flip side, the Gamecocks are struggling. South Carolina (11-15, 2-11) is coming off a 76-62 loss to No. 12 Florida, marking their seventh consecutive defeat and 10th in their last 11 games.
Despite the setbacks, Coach Lamont Paris sees value in these tough times. "Handling challenges is a thing that they're not that familiar with," Paris noted. He emphasized the importance of learning to face adversity, a crucial lesson for his players.
For South Carolina to snap their losing streak, they’ll need a standout performance from Meechie Johnson, who’s leading the team with 16.9 points per game and has scored in double figures for 12 straight games. Mike Sharavjamts, the Gamecocks' top rebounder and second-leading scorer, will also be key. He’s averaging 10.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, aiming to lift a team currently last in the SEC in rebounding.
As both teams prepare for battle, Mississippi State hopes to build on their recent success, while South Carolina looks to turn their season around. This matchup promises to be a test of resilience and skill.