A Big 12 vs. SEC battle takes center stage Monday night as Iowa State and Mississippi State square off at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. Both programs are unbeaten to start the year and looking to add an early résumé win.
TV schedule: Monday, November 10, 2025 – 7:00 p.m. CST, ESPN U
Arena: Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Mississippi State Searching for Early Statement Win
Mississippi State opened its season with an 86-62 win over North Alabama, pulling away in the second half after a sluggish start. The Bulldogs trailed by one at halftime but erupted for 48 points after the break to seal a comfortable victory.
Sophomore guard Josh Hubbard was sensational, dropping 27 points while adding eight assists in 32 minutes. His confidence and shot creation are already setting the tone for Chris Jans’ offense this season. The Bulldogs’ tempo and defensive intensity were much improved in the second half, showing flashes of the well-balanced team Jans wants to see consistently.
Mississippi State now looks to test itself against higher competition before returning home for a four-game stretch featuring Southeast Louisiana, Kansas State, New Orleans, and SMU.
Cyclones Continue to Roll Under Otzelberger
TJ Otzelberger’s Iowa State squad couldn’t have asked for a better start. The Cyclones have cruised through their opening two games, averaging 95 points per contest in dominant wins over Fairleigh Dickinson and Grambling.
Sophomore forward Milan Momcilovic has been the early standout, scoring 20 points per game in limited minutes. Point guard Tamin Lipsey continues to be the engine of the offense, averaging 14 points and 5.5 assists while controlling the pace and tempo.
Joshua Jefferson also delivered a strong performance in the Grambling win, scoring 20 points as one of six Cyclones in double figures. Iowa State’s balance and unselfish play have made them a dangerous early-season opponent.
Next up, the Cyclones will return to Ames to host Stonehill before key matchups against St. John’s and Creighton later this month.
Prediction
Both teams bring energy and momentum into Sioux Falls, but Iowa State’s depth and offensive rhythm give them the edge. Expect a competitive first half before the Cyclones’ ball movement and defensive pressure take control late.
Prediction: Iowa State 76, Mississippi State 68