Key Highlights
- Iowa State men’s basketball will face Mississippi State in a neutral-site game on Monday, Nov. 10.
- Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard is the Bulldogs’ key player and a three-level scorer.
- T.J. Otzelberger of Iowa State and Chris Jans of Mississippi State have defense-first philosophies but different coaching backgrounds.
- This game will be an early-season test for both teams, with Iowa State potentially having more depth in their rotation.
Game Preview: Iowa State vs. Mississippi State
The Iowa State men’s basketball team is set to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Monday, November 10, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU and marks an early-season test for both teams.
Mississippi State: A Guard of a Different Color
Mississippi State’s guard Josh Hubbard is the heart and soul of their offense. Since his arrival in 2023-24, he has become an integral part of the team’s success, leading them to the NCAA Tournament last season despite facing significant roster turnover.
Hubbard stands at 6 feet but packs a powerful punch on the scoreboard. He averaged 18.1 points over his 70 career appearances and had only one game where he scored fewer than 10 points throughout his college career. His ability to score from three levels makes him an unpredictable force, and his recent performance against North Alabama, where he tallied 27 points, eight assists, two steals with no turnovers, shows his continued improvement as a playmaker.
Coaching Philosophies: A Defense-First Clash
T.J. Otzelberger of Iowa State and Chris Jans of Mississippi State bring contrasting yet strong philosophies to the court. Both coaches prioritize defense but have different backgrounds and coaching styles.
Otzelberger, a Fairbank native with experience as an assistant coach at several institutions before taking over as head coach, is known for his emphasis on ball pressure and rebounding.
On the other hand, Jans has led Mississippi State to consecutive 20-win seasons since arriving in 2022. His teams are renowned for their physicality on both ends of the court, ranking highly in defensive efficiency according to KenPom. Players like Shawn Jones Jr., a versatile defender at 6-foot-6, and Quincy Ballard, a towering center at 7-foot-2, form the backbone of Mississippi State’s strong defense.
Rotations and Bench Depth: A Strategic Battle
This game will also serve as an early-season test for Iowa State’s bench depth. Coach Otzelberger has previously expressed his desire to go deep into his 10-man rotation, a strategy that could prove crucial against Mississippi State’s physicality and scoring prowess.
With players like Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure leading the starting backcourt in defense, Iowa State will need to find ways to contain Josh Hubbard. The Cyclones have shown promise with their high-pressure defense but may face a stiffer challenge from Mississippi State’s well-rounded attack.
Prediction: A Close Match
This game is expected to be a grind and a revealing test for both teams at this early point of the season. While Iowa State appears to have more depth and contributors, the Bulldogs’ strong defense and ability to take care of the ball could give them an edge.
Prediction: Iowa State 75, Mississippi State 70.
