Tennessee Volunteers Triumph Over Mississippi State Bulldogs
In a crucial Southeastern Conference matchup, the Tennessee Volunteers emerged victorious against the Mississippi State Bulldogs with a final score of 73-64 on Wednesday night in Starkville, Mississippi. The game showcased a strong performance by Tennessee’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who led all scorers with 18 points, complemented by his contributions of four assists and five rebounds.
Game Highlights
Tennessee began the game on a positive note, heading into halftime with a comfortable 39-28 lead. The Volunteers successfully capitalized on their advantage, particularly as Gillespie opened the second half with an explosive seven-point run, pushing the lead to as much as 16 points at 46-30.
However, Mississippi State was not to be underestimated. The Bulldogs, who fell to 11-13 overall and 3-8 in conference play with this loss, staged an impressive comeback early in the second half, executing an 18-0 run that brought them back into contention. Josh Hubbard, who netted 20 of his impressive 31 points in the first half, played a pivotal role in this run. Hubbard also made history by tying the school record for career three-pointers during this game, showcasing his shooting prowess.
Key Performances and Statistics
Despite Mississippi State’s efforts to narrow the gap, Tennessee quickly regained the momentum. Noteworthy performances from Nate Ament, who contributed 16 points and five assists, alongside J.P. Estrella, who added 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds, helped secure the win. The Volunteers maintained a decisive edge on the boards with a 45-31 rebounding advantage and shot 44% from the field.
On the other hand, Mississippi State’s overall shooting was slightly less effective, finishing at 41%, with their free throw shooting accounting for 7 of 13 attempts.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, Tennessee (17-7, 7-4 SEC) will face LSU in their next game on Saturday, while Mississippi State will travel to take on Ole Miss the same day. With their performance in Starkville, Tennessee aims to solidify their standing in the SEC as the season approaches its conclusion.
