In a thrilling basketball showdown, Mississippi State barely escaped with a win against Long Island University, thanks to a stellar performance by their star players. But was it a lucky escape or a well-deserved victory?
The game, which took place on December 16, 2025, in Starkville, Mississippi, saw the home team's Josh Hubbard and Jayden Epps combine for an impressive 54 points. Hubbard, just four points shy of his career-best, led the charge with 34 points, while Epps contributed 20. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Bulldogs.
Long Island's Malachi Davis and Greg Gordon kept the Sharks in the game, with Davis scoring 8 points in a crucial 13-2 run to give them their first lead. And this is where the game got interesting... With the score tied at 71, Davis and Gordon hit back-to-back three-pointers to put the Sharks up by 5. But Mississippi State wasn't ready to roll over.
The Bulldogs fought back with an 11-3 run, taking the lead for good with Epps' two clutch foul shots. But were the Sharks simply outplayed, or did the Bulldogs' experience and home-court advantage prove decisive?
As the game clock ticked down, LIU's Jomo Goings kept the pressure on, but it was Mississippi State's Shawn Jones Jr. who sealed the deal with two final foul shots. Hubbard, Epps, and Jones Jr. proved to be the heroes for the Bulldogs, while LIU's Davis, Goings, and Gordon showcased their talent, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
With the final score of 87-83, Mississippi State held on for the win. But the game raises questions: Was it a fair result, or did the home crowd influence the outcome? And what does this mean for both teams' upcoming games?
Long Island will look to bounce back against Florida International, while Mississippi State hosts Memphis. Will the Bulldogs' narrow escape give them an edge, or will the Sharks' strong performance fuel their next game? The AP Top 25 rankings may have the answer as the season progresses. Stay tuned, basketball fans!
