State blasts LSU 87-67 behind Josh Hubbard's career-high 32 points

Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard poured in a career-high 32 points on Saturday to help lead Mississippi State to a dominant 87-67 decision at LSU.

For the Bulldogs, it was their fifth straight win as State improved to 19-8 overall and 8-6 in the SEC. LSU saw their modest two-game winning streak snapped, which featured wins over South Carolina and Kentucky, and dropped to 14-13 overall and 6-8 in the league.

“Handled business,” said Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans. “We played pretty darn well over the majority of 40 minutes. We felt good at halftime and I thought some of those guys in black (State’s jerseys) imposed their will in the second half and it was nice.”

Hubbard was 6 of 12 from 3 point territory and made 8 of 8 at the foul line. Earlier this week Hubbard had a season-low five points in State’s win over Ole Miss on Wednesday but the freshman standout bounced back in a major way.

“He knows what he is doing out there,” said Jans of Hubbard. “He actually didn’t get off to a good start but nobody believes in Josh more than Josh does. I think his teammates would say the same and they believe in him, too. He is one of those guys that can go on a run and change the complexion of the game real quick.”

Tolu Smith had 19 points and nine boards for State while KeShawn Murphy was productive again with 11 points and a season-high nine boards. Cameron Matthews picked up two early fouls in the first half but had all eight of his points in the second half.

Leading by seven at halftime, State quickly pushed the lead to 51-39 following Hubbard’s first 3 pointer of the half. And it only went downhill from there for the host Tigers. Hubbard would hit three more 3 points in the half and State grabbed its second straight road win inside the SEC.

For the game, State shot 46% from the floor and led by Hubbard’s hot shooting, the Bulldogs were 10 of 21 from 3 point territory. State was 17 of 22 at the foul line, had 12 turnovers and outrebounded LSU 37-34.

The Tigers shot 41% from the field and made just 3 of 17 behind the 3 point arc. The Tigers made 16 of 22 at the foul line and had 15 turnovers. Trae Hannibal led LSU with 22 points while Jordan Wright added 14.

For State’s Murphy, it was his second straight game in double digits. Matthews missed most of the first half due to foul trouble and Murphy stepped in and didn’t miss a beat.

“Honestly, I was focused on rebounding,” said Murphy. “Coach Jans had preached rebounding and said it was going to be the key. I got on the glass and focused on rebounding. We know I can score but I’ve been figuring out other areas I can get better and help the team in other areas.

“I am glad I am able to build that confidence in practice. I am getting better at moving my feet and I want to be able to guard all five positions. Offensively, I feel like it opens up the floor with our spacing and it makes us better in areas we were lacking. I am glad to be here for our team.”

And Murphy’s coach agreed with his take on those improvements.

“Probably on the defensive side of the ball the most,” said Jans of Murphy. “He is a willing learner and he gets it. He is working at it and obviously, everybody can see the talent. He has stuck with it and persevered through some tough times. And now he is a huge part of what we are doing. He gives us such a different look and he is an improving defender.”

The opening half was mostly a back-and-forth affair that featured seven ties and seven lead changes. State had an early 8-4 lead but LSU had a 9-0 run to grab a 13-8 advantage following a 3 pointer from Tyrell Ward.

Late in the half and tied at 29-29, State closed strong with an 11-4 run and held a 40-33 halftime advantage, the Bulldogs’ largest lead of the half.

In the opening half State shot 37% from the floor and made 4 of 11 beyond the 3 point arc. State was 8 of 11 at the charity stripe and had five turnovers in the half. The Bulldogs held a 22-19 rebounding advantage in the opening 20 minutes, including 11 offensive rebounds.

LSU shot 43% in the first half and made just 1 of 9 from 3 point territory. The Tigers were 8 of 8 from the foul line and had nine first-half turnovers.

The Bulldogs now have a quick turnaround and will face a pair of Top 15 teams next week. First up is Tuesday’s matchup with Kentucky and tipoff is set for 6 p.m. at Humphrey Coliseum.