RJ Melendez scored 17 points to lead a balanced scoring effort and No. 22 Mississippi State defeated No. 19 Ole Miss 81-71 on Saturday in Oxford, Miss. Josh Hubbard added 14 points, Riley Kugel scored 11, and Claudell Harris Jr. also made significant contributions to the team's victory.
The Bulldogs' win marked a significant upset, as Ole Miss was favored to win the matchup. However, Mississippi State's strong team dynamic and well-executed game plan ultimately led to their success. The team's ability to contain Ole Miss's high-powered offense was a key factor in their victory.
Melendez's 17 points were a testament to his skill and agility on the court. He consistently made big plays and was a major factor in the team's scoring effort. Hubbard's 14 points and Kugel's 11 points also demonstrated the team's depth and ability to score from multiple positions.
The win marked a significant sweep for Mississippi State, and the team will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games. With their strong performance, the Bulldogs have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the conference. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how they continue to grow and develop as a team.
For Ole Miss, the loss was a setback, but the team will look to bounce back from the defeat. They will need to regroup and refocus in order to get back on track. The Rebels have a talented roster and are capable of making a deep run in the conference tournament, but they will need to be more consistent in their performance.
The matchup between Mississippi State and Ole Miss was highly anticipated, and the game lived up to the hype. The intensity and passion of the players were evident throughout the contest, and the crowd was electric. The Bulldogs' victory was a thrilling conclusion to an exciting game, and it will be remembered as one of the highlights of the season.