Mississippi State Bulldogs Upset Auburn Tigers 91-85 Behind Josh Hubbard's 46 Points

The Mississippi State Bulldogs, ranked 94th in the NET rankings, pulled off a stunning 91-85 upset over the Auburn Tigers, who sat at 32nd in the NET rankings, at Humphrey Coliseum. This 6-point victory marked a significant upset, as Auburn was predicted to win by 4.1 points, according to CHD Scout. The Bulldogs' win not only defied expectations but also highlighted their ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents, a crucial aspect of their tournament resume. With this win, Mississippi State improved to 13-13, while Auburn dropped to 14-12. Over their last 5 games, Auburn had been averaging 80 points per game, but their defense had been struggling, allowing 85.4 points per game, resulting in a 1-4 record during that stretch.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the first half. Mississippi State took a 49-33 lead into halftime, thanks in large part to Josh Hubbard's 23 first-half points. Hubbard's performance was a key factor in the Bulldogs' success, as he finished the game with 46 points and 9 rebounds. Auburn, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, shooting just 36.4% from the field. However, they regrouped in the second half, outscoring Mississippi State 52-42. Keyshawn Hall led the charge for Auburn, scoring 29 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Auburn was unable to overcome the deficit, and Mississippi State held on for the 91-85 win. Over their last 5 games, Mississippi State had been averaging 76.2 points per game, while allowing 77.8 points per game, resulting in a 2-3 record during that stretch.

Beyond the impressive stat lines, it's worth noting that Hubbard's performance was not just about the numbers. He hit several big shots throughout the game, including a few crucial three-pointers in the second half that helped Mississippi State maintain their lead. On the other hand, Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford, who scored 21 points, had a strong game, but his production was not enough to overcome the deficit. Shawn Jones Jr. also had a solid game for Mississippi State, scoring 12 points and dishing out 5 assists. His all-around performance was a key factor in the Bulldogs' win. Auburn's Kevin Overton added 15 points, but it was not enough to change the outcome. The Bulldogs' ability to get production from multiple players was a key factor in their win, as they had 3 players score in double figures.

The CHD Scout prediction had Auburn winning by 4.1 points, but this was incorrect.

The model likely underestimated the impact of Mississippi State's home-court advantage, as well as their ability to shoot the ball effectively from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs shot 44.4% from three-point range, which was a key factor in their win. Additionally, the model may have overestimated Auburn's defense, which had been struggling to contain opponents over their last 5 games. Auburn's recent trend of being outscored by 5.4 points per game over their last 5 games was a concern, and it ultimately was a factor in their loss.

The win for Mississippi State is a significant one, as it improves their tournament resume and gives them a much-needed boost in the NET rankings.

The Bulldogs' Quad 2 win over Auburn is a notable addition to their resume, and it could potentially move them up a few spots in the NET rankings. For Auburn, the loss is a setback, as it drops them to 14-12 and puts their tournament hopes in jeopardy. The Tigers' recent struggles, including a 1-4 record over their last 5 games, have raised concerns about their ability to compete against top opponents. Mississippi State's win over Auburn is a significant one, as it gives them a Quad 2 win and improves their chances of making the tournament. With this win, Mississippi State has now won 2 of their last 5 games, and they want to build on this momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season.

The Bulldogs' ability to pull off the upset was a reflection of their resilience and determination. Despite being outscored in the second half, they were able to hold on for the win, thanks in large part to Hubbard's clutch shooting. Auburn, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus, as they look to bounce back from this tough loss. The Tigers' recent trend of struggling on defense must be addressed, as they head into the final stretch of the season. With 6 points separating the two teams, it's clear that this game was a closely contested affair, and Mississippi State's win is a significant one. The Bulldogs' 91 points were the most they have scored in a game since their 90-78 win over Ole Miss, and it's a sign that their offense is starting to click. As the season heads into its final stretch, Mississippi State want to build on this momentum, while Auburn must regroup and refocus in order to make a push for the tournament.

The implications of this game are significant, as it affects the tournament hopes of both teams. Mississippi State's win gives them a much-needed boost, while Auburn's loss puts their tournament hopes in jeopardy. The Bulldogs' ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents is a key aspect of their tournament resume, and this win will certainly help their case. With 13 wins on the season, Mississippi State is starting to make a push for the tournament, and this win over Auburn is a significant step in the right direction. As the season heads into its final stretch, the Bulldogs want to build on this momentum, while Auburn must regroup and refocus in order to make a push for the tournament. The 46 points scored by Hubbard were the most by a Mississippi State player this season, and it's a sign that he is starting to emerge as a key player for the Bulldogs.

HEADLINE: Mississippi State Bulldogs Upset Auburn Tigers 91-85 Behind Josh Hubbard's 46 Points SUBHEADLINE: The Bulldogs' win improves their tournament resume and gives them a much-needed boost in the NET rankings, with real consequences for their seed line and Auburn's tournament hopes, as Mississippi State moves to 13-13 and Auburn drops to 14-12.