Bulldog Minute: What To Expect in MSU Showdown in March Madness

A look at how Mississippi State should do against Michigan State when they meet in the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

After Selection Sunday revealed that the Mississippi State men’s basketball team had clinched a spot in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 8 seed, the first opponent that the Bulldogs are up against is the MSU from up north.

Michigan State is a No. 9 seed who will be facing the Bulldogs this Thursday to determine who will make it past the first round. Michigan is currently 19-14 and tied for sixth in the Big 10 but tied the conference regular season 10-10.

Mississippi State on the other hand is ranked ninth conference going 8-10 conference for the regular season and 21-13 overall. With a leverage of skill, here’s what the Bulldogs need to beat the Spartans.

Michigan State is predicted to have the odds in its favor however, the Bulldogs do have a couple tools that could help slow the Spartans down. 

The Bulldogs have freshman point guard Josh Hubbard who has been a vital addition to the team this season averaging a team-high 17.1 points with 2.1 rebounds per game.

Mississippi State also has 6-foot-11 Tolu Smith who also averages over 10 points per game going 15.2 PPG and 8.4 RPG.

Both of these players are up against Spartan senior guard Tyson Walker who has collected an average of 18.2 PPG with 2.9 assists per game. With his notable quickness on the court, Mississippi State defense will have to prepare for this standout.

Although Mississippi State does struggle on offense and has frequent issues with making threes, rebounding and steals are what will make give the Bulldogs the momentum to take down Michigan State.

Both of these MSU's are battling for a chance to face No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 16 seed Howard or No. 16 seed Wagner on Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16 in Los Angeles.

How To Watch: Mississippi State Men’s Basketball versus Michigan State