Game Recap: LSU defeated Mississippi State 81-67 on February 2, 2025

Game Recap: LSU vs. Mississippi State – February 2, 2025

On February 2, 2025, the LSU Tigers came away with a decisive 81-67 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs in an SEC showdown at Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The game showcased excellent individual performances, a strong team effort, and strategic play calling that allowed LSU to continue their strong season and build momentum heading into the latter part of the SEC schedule.

First Half: Tigers Dominate Early

The game started off with intense energy as both teams looked to establish control. LSU, led by head coach Matt McMahon, took an aggressive approach from the jump, utilizing their depth and athleticism to dictate the pace of the game. The Tigers’ defense set the tone early, forcing Mississippi State to rush shots and struggle with offensive execution.

Mississippi State came into the game with a strong defensive reputation but had trouble containing LSU’s offensive flow. Tigers guard Jordan Wright started strong, contributing 12 first-half points, showcasing his versatile scoring ability both inside and beyond the arc. Wright’s first-half shooting efficiency, which included two 3-pointers, kept the Tigers ahead throughout the opening period.

LSU also benefitted from a balanced scoring attack, with forward KJ Williams adding seven points in the first 20 minutes. Williams, known for his ability to stretch the floor and play inside, helped the Tigers maintain a consistent offensive rhythm. Mississippi State struggled to respond to LSU’s attack, especially in transition. The Bulldogs’ defense, which had been one of their strengths all season, looked disjointed, allowing LSU to exploit mismatches.

The Bulldogs did manage to get some offense going through their star player, guard Shakeel Moore. Moore scored 10 points in the first half, keeping Mississippi State within reach. However, LSU’s defensive schemes, particularly their perimeter defense, kept Moore from being as effective as he would have liked. LSU’s ability to force turnovers and contest shots disrupted Mississippi State’s offensive flow.

At halftime, LSU had built a comfortable 43-28 lead. The Tigers shot 47% from the field in the first half and had an efficient 6-of-15 performance from beyond the 3-point arc. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, shot just 38% from the field and were limited to only three 3-pointers in the first half, shooting at a modest 30%.

Second Half: Bulldogs Fight Back, but LSU Maintains Control

The second half saw a more determined Mississippi State squad. Head coach Chris Jans made adjustments, hoping to close the gap. The Bulldogs came out of the locker room with a renewed sense of urgency, tightening up their defense and looking to get out in transition more frequently. Their efforts to chip away at LSU’s lead were fueled by some timely shooting from veteran guard Cameron Matthews, who scored 8 of his 14 points in the second half. Matthews was a key figure in the Bulldogs’ push, knocking down mid-range shots and converting on a couple of tough layups.

LSU, however, did not lose focus. Despite the Bulldogs’ best efforts to cut into the lead, the Tigers had an answer every time. LSU’s second-half shooting was just as strong as it had been in the first. They continued to exploit the inside game, with Williams contributing crucial baskets in the post, and big man Sean East II making excellent decisions to facilitate the offense.

One of the turning points in the second half came when LSU guard Trey Hannibal, who had been quiet up until that point, scored six consecutive points during a pivotal stretch. His offensive explosion helped LSU reassert control of the game, pushing the lead back to 15 points after Mississippi State had briefly reduced it to 10. Hannibal’s drive and finishing ability in transition were crucial in breaking the Bulldogs’ momentum.

The Bulldogs did have a late rally, with Moore hitting a big 3-pointer and a couple of free throws to reduce LSU’s lead to 10 with about 4 minutes left in the game. However, LSU’s poise down the stretch proved to be the difference. The Tigers continued to hit free throws in clutch moments and maintained their defensive intensity, preventing Mississippi State from getting any closer.

As the game came to a close, LSU had successfully weathered the Bulldogs’ late surge. The Tigers finished the game with a solid 81-67 victory, improving their record to 18-6 overall and 8-3 in SEC play. Mississippi State, despite their efforts in the second half, fell to 15-9 on the season and 6-5 in conference action.

Key Players:

1. Jordan Wright (LSU): Wright had a standout performance, scoring 23 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists. His ability to score both inside and outside kept Mississippi State’s defense on its heels. Wright’s shooting touch was key in helping LSU build an early lead and maintain it throughout the game.
2. KJ Williams (LSU): Williams contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds in a strong two-way performance. His versatility on both ends of the floor gave LSU a major advantage, as he was able to dominate the paint and stretch the floor with his outside shooting. Williams also played excellent defense, anchoring LSU’s frontcourt and contributing to the Tigers’ defensive schemes.
3. Shakeel Moore (Mississippi State): Moore finished with 19 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds, leading the Bulldogs in scoring. While LSU’s defense did a good job limiting his impact in the first half, Moore’s scoring in the second half helped Mississippi State make a push. Despite his individual effort, the Bulldogs could not overcome LSU’s all-around team performance.
4. Cameron Matthews (Mississippi State): Matthews was another bright spot for Mississippi State, scoring 14 points and providing a spark for the Bulldogs in the second half. His ability to get to the rim and hit timely shots kept Mississippi State in the game, though it was not enough for a complete comeback.
5. Trey Hannibal (LSU): Hannibal’s six straight points in the second half were crucial in halting Mississippi State’s momentum. Hannibal finished with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, and his ability to provide a scoring spark off the bench made him an important contributor in the win.
6. Sean East II (LSU): East II was another key figure in the game, totaling 8 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds. As the floor general for LSU, East II controlled the pace of the game, set up his teammates, and played solid defense.

Team Stats Breakdown:

• LSU:
  • Field Goals: 30-of-64 (46.9%)
  • Three-Point Field Goals: 9-of-23 (39.1%)
  • Free Throws: 12-of-15 (80%)
  • Rebounds: 38 (9 offensive, 29 defensive)
  • Assists: 18
  • Turnovers: 10
• Mississippi State:
  • Field Goals: 23-of-57 (40.4%)
  • Three-Point Field Goals: 6-of-20 (30%)
  • Free Throws: 15-of-21 (71.4%)
  • Rebounds: 34 (8 offensive, 26 defensive)
  • Assists: 13
  • Turnovers: 14

Game Analysis:

• LSU’s Offensive Execution: The Tigers’ offensive efficiency was a key factor in this victory. They shot 47% from the field and were particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 9 three-pointers. LSU’s ability to move the ball and create open shots allowed them to maintain a high level of scoring. Their balanced attack—between inside play and perimeter shooting—kept Mississippi State’s defense guessing.
• Defense and Rebounding: LSU’s defense was stingy throughout the game, forcing 14 turnovers and contesting shots at the rim. Their ability to limit Mississippi State’s three-point shooting (just 30%) and control the boards (38 rebounds compared to Mississippi State’s 34) was crucial in maintaining their lead.
• Mississippi State’s Struggles: Despite a strong second-half push, the Bulldogs’ offensive inconsistency proved to be their undoing. They shot just 40.4% from the field and struggled to maintain offensive flow for long stretches. While Moore and Matthews had solid individual performances, Mississippi State’s lack of scoring depth outside of those two players hurt their chances of a comeback.
• Tigers’ Depth: One of the standout features of LSU’s performance was the depth of their team. Several players contributed in different areas, and LSU was able to maintain energy throughout the game. While Wright, Williams, and Hannibal were the primary contributors, LSU received valuable minutes from its bench players, helping keep fresh legs on the floor.