NCAA Basketball: Kentucky, Arkansas fall in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
22. Mississippi State (4-0)
Hired two offseasons ago, Chris Jans has already had a great impact on this Mississippi State program and he has these Bulldogs looking strong again this season. They got off to a good start with a big win against Arizona State during the opening week and responded with more impressive play this week, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
They got their third win of the season with a nice performance at home, taking care of North Alabama in an 81-54 win on Tuesday. Jimmy Bell Jr. had 14 points and 14 rebounds to lead a balanced attack for the Bulldogs. Over the weekend, Mississippi State headed to the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off and secured a 76-64 victory against a solid Washington State squad. It was another subpar shooting night from long range for the Bulldogs, but four players were in double figures, led by 13 points and 7 rebounds from Cameron Matthews.
They are performing on the court and the metrics like what this team has done. Mississippi State boasts a very efficient defense and they’ve already won a pair of games away from home against power conference foes. They’ll need a little more consistency from the offense but they’ve done what’s expected of them so far. They’ll finish off their tournament run in Connecticut against Northwestern on Sunday and have the potential for a decent unbeaten run to start the season.