Mississippi State’s head coach, Chris Jans, has made it clear to his team that their path to the NCAA Tournament hinges on victories against Georgia and Missouri. Despite typically not being forthright about such pressures, Jans emphasized the importance of these upcoming games and ensured his players understood the gravity of the situation. Following a crucial 75-62 win over Georgia, which bolstered their NET ranking to No. 44, the Bulldogs now face a critical matchup against Missouri in Columbia.
Jans referenced the team’s turnaround last season despite a similar record, but he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the current team’s resilience. Nonetheless, he urged them to seize the opportunity and build on their recent success, particularly after a tough loss to Alabama.
Mississippi State’s focus has been on shoring up their defense, as emphasized by forward Cameron Matthews. Despite missing key player D.J. Jeffries, KeShawn Murphy made a significant impact off the bench, showcasing both scoring prowess and defensive tenacity. Dashawn Davis also contributed significantly with his playmaking against Georgia.
The Bulldogs’ offensive charge is led by Tolu Smith, averaging impressive numbers of 17.1 points and eight rebounds per game. However, their opponents, Missouri, have struggled immensely, losing 10 consecutive games and 13 out of 14, including a recent defeat against Texas A&M. Injuries have plagued the Tigers, with several key players sidelined, including Sean East II, their leading scorer.
Coach Dennis Gates acknowledges the immense pressure on his team to perform at their best given their depleted roster. With East’s availability uncertain, Tamar Bates has been tasked with stepping up offensively, averaging 22 points over the last three games. Despite the challenges, Missouri guard Nick Honor emphasizes the next-man-up mentality, acknowledging the team’s responsibility to persevere despite adversity.
In summary, Mississippi State faces a crucial test against Missouri, understanding the significance of securing victories to keep their NCAA Tournament aspirations alive, while Missouri grapples with injuries and seeks to defy the odds against a formidable opponent.
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