Mississippi State dominates No. 18 Pittsburgh with a stunning 90-57 victory

In Starkville, Mississippi, on a Wednesday night, Mississippi State University faced off against the No. 18 ranked University of Pittsburgh as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge. The game, which occurred on December 4, 2024, saw the Bulldogs take control early, establishing a sizable lead over the Panthers. By halftime, Mississippi State had firmly established a 47-25 advantage, showcasing their dominance. This performance marked a significant bounce back for the Bulldogs following a previous defeat to Butler, where they lost 87-77, just days before the matchup against Pittsburgh. KeShawn Murphy was a standout player for Mississippi State, scoring a season-high 20 points. Additionally, Michael Nwoko made notable contributions, achieving his first double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Other key contributors included Josh Hubbard, Claudell Harris, and RJ Melendez who each added valuable points to the scoreboard. In contrast, Pittsburgh struggled with their shooting, managing only a 31% success rate and failing to recover from an early deficit. Pittsburgh, coming off their debut in the AP Top 25 poll earlier that week, entered the game with high expectations but instead faced a harsh reality as they suffered their second loss in three games. The statistics highlighted the stark difference in performance between the two teams, with Mississippi State out-rebounding the Panthers 49-27, including 10 offensive boards, and scoring significantly more points off turnovers. The Bulldogs had clearly prepared well for the game, aligning their strategies effectively, which translated into their on-court execution. Looking forward, Pittsburgh will attempt to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming game against Virginia Tech in opening ACC play, scheduled for Saturday. Meanwhile, Mississippi State is set to host Prairie View A&M on Sunday, looking to continue their winning momentum after such a decisive victory.