Field Level Media
Feb 17, 2024
Freshman Josh Hubbard scored 19 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute, and Mississippi State held off Arkansas 71-67 on Saturday afternoon in Southeastern Conference play at Starkville, Miss.
Cameron Matthews added 17 points for the Bulldogs (17-8, 6-6 SEC), who won their third consecutive game. Hubbard's 3-pointer, his third in 10 attempts, made the difference in a game in which both teams shot poorly from beyond the arc. MSU made 4 of 15 and the Razorbacks (12-13, 3-9) made 3 of 17.
Makhi Mitchell scored 21 points and Khalif Battle added 18 for Arkansas, which has lost nine of its last 12 games. Both players fouled out as did teammate Tramon Mack, who had just six points.
Hubbard's jumper tied the score at 65. El Ellis' layup gave the Razorbacks the lead before Hubbard's 3-pointer gave MSU a 68-67 lead with 58 seconds remaining.
Mitchell missed a shot from the lane and Chandler Lawson grabbed the offensive rebound, but Tolu Smith III blocked his shot attempt. Matthews was fouled, but missed both free throws with 29 seconds left.
Shakeel Moore stole the ball for the Bulldogs, was fouled with 7.7 seconds left and made both free throws for a three-point lead.
Hubbard fouled Ellis before he could attempt a tying 3-pointer. Ellis missed both free throws. Matthews grabbed the rebound and was fouled. He made one of two free throws with one second left.
Lawson made a jumper to start the second-half scoring and Battle added a three-point play to pull the Razorbacks within one point.
Matthews answered with jumper and Hubbard made a 3-pointer to give the Bulldogs a 40-34 lead.
Davonte Davis cut the deficit in half by making a 3-pointer and Mitchell scored eight consecutive Arkansas points to give the Bulldogs a 48-46 lead.
Matthews made a layup to tie the score midway through the half before both teams went nearly three minutes without making a field goal.
The score was tied again before Moore's 3-pointer gave MSU a 54-51 lead.
The Razorbacks got within one point on three occasions, but the Bulldogs had an answer each time before Mitchell made two free throws to even the score at 59.
--Field Level Media