Chris Jans, Mississippi State viewing Kentucky rematch as a 'big opportunity'

Mississippi State is well within the postseason picture after winning five straight in conference play. However, the final four games for the Bulldogs feature some tough competition, specifically this week where they’ll play a pair of rematches.

Chris Jans spoke about their next two games against Kentucky on Tuesday and at Auburn on Saturday during his postgame press conference after their 87-67 win over LSU. He said that the thought had just crossed his mind after earning the victory in Baton Rouge and that his team will need to be ready for it, especially with the Wildcats coming to Starkville.

“I haven’t thought much about it until a few minutes after we left the locker room,” said Jans. “Certainly, it’s a quick turnaround.”

“Saw the score that Kentucky had today and, obviously, they handled us very easily at their place. So hopefully our guys will be super motivated,” Jans said.

Mississippi State went to Rupp Arena last month and took a 90-77 loss to Kentucky earlier on in conference. After the first few minutes, the Wildcats led for the duration and by as much as 20. In total, they shot 55.6% from the field and had four players in double figures. As for the Bulldogs, Tolu Smith had a great outing with 26 points and eight rebounds but, besides that, it was a losing effort for them, including a rough performance from Josh Hubbard.

The Wildcats will now be the first of three Top-25 matchups for Mississippi State over the final four games. That makes it one of several chances to capitalize and boost their resumé beyond the fact that anyone would be proud of a win over Kentucky.

“It’s Kentucky. Everybody gets excited,” said Jans. “I know our fans will be excited. We’re going to have a rock in ‘Hump.”

“It’s just a great opportunity for us. It’s just going to be a great opportunity,” Jans said.

Jans evaluates his trust level in KeShawn Murphy

KeShawn Murphy has played in more than 20 minutes in each of the last three games as he’s earned more trust from Chris Jans.

Following the team’s 20-point win against LSU, Jans praised Murphy and explained that earning that trust has started on the defensive end.

“Pretty high. He’s a willing defender,” Jans said. “He’s been really working on it. He has been receptive to what we are trying to do with him on the defensive side of the floor.”

“Doesn’t take much to figure out that he’s very talented offensively, obviously has great length. He just gives us a different look when he is on the floor with his ability,” said Jans. “At 6-10, to play either the four, even the five? He can stretch the (defense) and it gives us another scorer out there, he is underrated with his drive ability, his passing ability. He really sees the floor.”

“(Murphy) keeps getting better on the defensive end and, because of that, he is on the floor more,” Jans said. “It has been really, really good. He has been a shot in the arm for us the past five or six games.”