After a 24-point performance, Hubbard leads No. 22 Mississippi State over Georgia.

 

Hubbard’s 24-Point Performance Leads No. 22 Mississippi State Over Georgia

Starkville, MS — February 7, 2025 — In a thrilling showdown between two SEC powerhouses, No. 22 Mississippi State secured a commanding victory over Georgia, 85-70, behind an incredible 24-point performance from senior forward Hubbard. The win not only solidified Mississippi State’s position as a force in the Southeastern Conference but also showcased the dominance and leadership that Hubbard has provided for the Bulldogs this season.

The game, which took place in front of a raucous crowd at Humphrey Coliseum, had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish, with Mississippi State putting together a well-rounded team effort to fend off Georgia’s challenge. Hubbard, who has been an integral part of the Bulldogs’ success this year, proved why he is considered one of the premier players in college basketball.

A Game of Runs

The contest began with both teams displaying an aggressive offensive mindset. Georgia, led by their star guard who has been a consistent scorer all season, came out firing, looking to steal an early lead. However, Mississippi State’s defense, anchored by Hubbard’s versatility on both ends of the court, quickly adjusted to the challenge. The Bulldogs’ defensive pressure in the first half was suffocating, as they forced multiple turnovers and contested nearly every shot taken by the Bulldogs.

Despite Georgia’s early push, Mississippi State began to assert its will. Hubbard was unstoppable in the first half, contributing 14 points and leading the Bulldogs to a 42-34 lead at halftime. His ability to stretch the floor, create his own shot, and finish with both finesse and power allowed the Bulldogs to control the game’s tempo.

Hubbard’s performance wasn’t just about scoring, though. His basketball IQ was on full display as he found open teammates with precise passes, setting up several easy buckets that kept Georgia’s defense on its heels. His energy and leadership were contagious, and the entire Mississippi State roster seemed to feed off his performance.

For Georgia, their scoring leader struggled with the Bulldogs’ defense, which was eager to deny any easy looks. Despite solid contributions from their second and third-leading scorers, the Bulldogs of Georgia were unable to generate much consistent offense in the first half. Georgia’s head coach admitted post-game that Hubbard’s performance made it difficult for them to execute their game plan.

The Second Half: Hubbard Seals the Deal

Coming out of halftime, Georgia made several adjustments, hoping to mount a comeback. They attempted to pressure Mississippi State into uncomfortable situations by switching to a full-court press and forcing the pace. However, Hubbard’s leadership and ability to play through adversity proved to be the difference.

The second half saw Georgia narrow the lead to just 4 points early on, but Hubbard immediately took control. His 10 points in the first five minutes of the half extended Mississippi State’s lead back to double digits, and it was clear that Georgia would have a difficult time keeping up with his level of play. His shot-making ability was on full display as he knocked down deep three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and converted easy layups in transition. His versatility was evident as he seemed to be in every part of the court, creating havoc for Georgia’s defense.

Not only did Hubbard excel on offense, but his defensive contributions were just as important in the second half. He was a major factor in limiting Georgia’s top scorers, using his size and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and force difficult shots. His defensive intensity, combined with the overall team defense of Mississippi State, shut down Georgia’s attempts to mount a meaningful comeback.

As the game wore on, Mississippi State’s lead ballooned to 20 points with just under four minutes remaining. The Bulldogs from Georgia, visibly exhausted from trying to contain Hubbard, were unable to close the gap, and Mississippi State cruised to an 85-70 victory.

Key Performances

While Hubbard’s 24-point performance will undoubtedly dominate the headlines, it was not the only notable effort in the game. Mississippi State received contributions across the board, particularly from their bench. Guard Thomas, known for his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, added 16 points, including a critical stretch of back-to-back triples that helped extend the lead in the second half.

Freshman forward Stevens also impressed with a strong performance in the paint, adding 12 points and 8 rebounds. His presence on the glass helped secure several crucial second-chance opportunities for Mississippi State, allowing them to control the tempo and keep Georgia on the defensive.

For Georgia, their star player did manage to finish with 19 points, but much of that production came late in the game when the outcome was already determined. Guard Miller added 14 points for the Bulldogs of Georgia, but their offensive flow was never in sync, largely due to the pressure applied by Mississippi State’s defense.

Hubbard’s Rise to Stardom

Hubbard’s performance in this game further cemented his status as one of the premier players in college basketball. His combination of scoring, leadership, and defense makes him a nightmare for opponents. After the game, Hubbard spoke about his growth as a player and his increased responsibility on the team.

“I’ve worked really hard to improve my game, especially my defense and playmaking,” Hubbard said. “I know that I’m expected to lead this team, and I take that responsibility seriously. Every time I step on the floor, I try to do everything I can to help my team win.”

His head coach echoed similar sentiments, praising Hubbard’s maturity and leadership.

“We know that when we need a big play, we can count on Hubbard. He’s the heart and soul of this team,” Mississippi State’s head coach said. “He’s been putting in the work, and it’s great to see him have a performance like this, especially in a big conference game. He’s just scratching the surface of what he can do.”

Mississippi State’s Rising Momentum

With this win, Mississippi State improves to 20-4 on the season, further solidifying their place in the top 25 rankings and positioning them well for a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The victory over Georgia was a statement win for a team that has been flying under the radar in the SEC but is quickly gaining national attention. Mississippi State’s balance on both ends of the floor, led by Hubbard’s star power, makes them a formidable contender as March approaches.

As for Georgia, the loss drops them to 15-9 on the season and leaves them with plenty to work on as they look to rebound and remain competitive in the SEC standings. While their effort was commendable, they simply couldn’t match the intensity and execution displayed by Mississippi State, especially in the second half.

Looking Ahead

Mississippi State will look to build on this momentum as they head into the latter part of their conference schedule. Their upcoming games include matchups with Auburn and Alabama, both of which will be crucial as they aim to solidify their positioning in the SEC standings.

For Hubbard, the season continues to be a personal showcase of his talents. With a legitimate shot at earning SEC Player of the Year honors, he will need to keep this level of play consistent as the pressure mounts. He has shown that he’s capable of taking over games, and Mississippi State will rely on him to continue leading the charge in their pursuit of a deep NCAA Tournament run.

For Georgia, they will need to regroup quickly. Their next game will be a home contest against South Carolina, where they’ll look to get back on track. Although their defense faltered against Hubbard and the Bulldogs’ offense, they know that if they can tighten things up and execute more efficiently, they can still make a push for an NCAA Tournament berth.

In the end, Mississippi State’s dominant victory over Georgia was a showcase of the Bulldogs’ potential and the brilliance of Hubbard. With their star leading the way, Mississippi State is a team to watch as they continue to rise in the SEC and beyond.