In a shocking turn of events, Mississippi State marched into the Pete Maravich Assembly Center and handed Louisiana State a devastating 80-66 loss, pulling off a major upset that will send ripples through the college basketball world. This outcome was a far cry from the predicted 9.8-point margin in favor of LSU, as CHD Scout's forecast proved woefully inaccurate. Instead, the Bulldogs dominated from start to finish, building a 23-point halftime lead that LSU could never fully recover from.
Max Mackinnon led the charge for LSU, scoring 15 points, but it was a case of too little, too late. His teammates, Dedan Thomas Jr. and Rashad King, also chipped in with 14 points each, but the Tigers' offense was stifled by Mississippi State's stifling defense. On the other side, Josh Hubbard paced the Bulldogs with 15 points, while Quincy Ballard added 13 points and 9 rebounds, and Ja'Borri McGhee contributed 11 points. The trio's collective effort propelled Mississippi State to a commanding 44-21 lead at the break, which ultimately proved insurmountable for LSU.
As the second half unfolded, LSU attempted to mount a comeback, outscoring Mississippi State 45-36. However, the deficit was too great, and the Bulldogs' lead never dipped below 10 points. The Tigers' inability to contain Mississippi State's offense, particularly in the first half, was a decisive factor in the outcome. The Bulldogs' 44 first-half points were a direct result of their ability to move the ball effectively and find open shooters, which LSU struggled to counter.
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This upset victory has real consequences for both teams. For Mississippi State, the win boosts their tournament resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 1 victory, a category reserved for wins against top-30 teams at home, top-50 teams on a neutral court, or top-75 teams on the road. With a current net ranking of 106, the Bulldogs still have work to do, but this result will undoubtedly help their cause. Conversely, LSU's loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which will not help their chances of securing a tournament berth. The Tigers, currently ranked 46th in the net rankings, cannot afford many more slip-ups if they hope to make a deep postseason run.
The loss is a major blow to LSU's tournament aspirations, and the team must regroup and refocus to get back on track. For Mississippi State, this win is a statement victory that demonstrates their ability to compete with top-tier opponents. As the season enters its final stretch, the Bulldogs want to build on this momentum and make a push for a tournament spot. With this result, Mississippi State's tournament chances have undoubtedly received a significant boost, while LSU's hopes have taken a hit. The Bulldogs' resume now features a marquee win, which matters in the eyes of the selection committee come tournament time.