Mississippi State dominates UNLV with strong performance

In the United States, on November 28, 2024, No. 25 Mississippi State faced UNLV in the Arizona Tip-Off tournament. The Bulldogs showcased their dominance throughout the game, resulting in an 80-58 victory. The match began competitively for the first several minutes; however, Mississippi State established control with effective offensive strategies and strong defensive plays. They built a 13-point lead by halftime, primarily through effective rebounding and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Mississippi State's rebounding advantage of 46-29 allowed them to score 30 second-chance points, highlighting their offensive intensity. As the second half commenced, Mississippi State's strategy intensified. They executed an impressive 11-0 run, extending their lead to 62-36, which left UNLV unable to mount any significant comeback efforts. Even though UNLV shot 14 for 25 in the first half, the Bulldogs' 3-point shooting (7 for 14) effectively countered their efforts. The Runnin' Rebels, despite some individual efforts from Jailen Bedford, who scored 13 points, struggled offensively against Mississippi State's resilience. A crucial aspect of the match was Mississippi State’s depth, as they outscored UNLV's bench 48-13. The contributions from players like Josh Hubbard, who scored 11 points, complemented Murphy's standout performance. This game marks Mississippi State's sixth consecutive victory and sets them up for a championship match against Butler the following night, while UNLV is scheduled to face Northwestern. Overall, the game highlighted Mississippi State's strengths in rebounding, bench production, and defensive efficiency, which will be pivotal as they progress in the tournament. Their ability to control the game from the early stages and maintain pressure throughout reflects their preparation and strategic execution leading into the championship bout.