In a thrilling basketball showdown, Mississippi State narrowly escaped with a win against Long Island University, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. But did they truly deserve the victory?
The game, held in Starkville on December 16, 2025, was a testament to the competitive spirit of college basketball. Josh Hubbard, a standout player, delivered an impressive performance, racking up 34 points. His teammate, Jayden Epps, contributed 20 points to the scoreboard. However, it was a nail-biter until the very end.
With just under five minutes left in the game, Malachi Davis hit a crucial three-pointer, and Greg Gordon followed suit shortly after, giving the Sharks a comfortable 76-71 lead. But here's where it gets interesting: the Bulldogs weren't going down without a fight. They embarked on an 11-3 run and took the lead with two foul shots by Epps, leaving only 2:42 on the clock.
LIU's Jomo Goings kept the game alive with a tip-in, narrowing the score to 85-83 with 13 seconds remaining. But it was Shawn Jones Jr. of MSU who sealed the deal with two final foul shots. Hubbard, just four points away from his career-best, played a pivotal role in the win.
For LIU, Jamal Fuller led the charge with 18 points, closely followed by Davis with 17. Goings and Gordon also reached double digits with 16 and 12 points, respectively. Davis's 12 points in 12 minutes before halftime were a key factor in keeping LIU in the game.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair. Mississippi State started strong with an 8-0 lead, but LIU fought back. Davis's scoring spree gave LIU their first lead, but the Bulldogs responded with a 12-3 run. The Sharks, however, ended the half with a 15-7 surge, leaving the score at 39-38 in favor of MSU.
Looking ahead, Long Island University will hit the road to challenge Florida International, while Mississippi State will host Memphis. Both games are set for Saturday, promising more exciting basketball action.
And this is where it gets controversial: was Mississippi State's win a result of skill or luck? The Bulldogs' late surge and LIU's missed opportunities have sparked debates among fans. What's your take? Did the better team prevail, or did the Sharks let victory slip through their fingers?
