- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Mississippi State Today
By the People, for the People
Mississippi State falls to Tennessee in physical battle
Bulldogs unable to overcome Vols' dominant start despite late rally
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans discussed his team's 73-64 loss to Tennessee on Wednesday, citing the Volunteers' physicality and rebounding as the biggest factors in the Bulldogs digging an early hole. Jans praised the effort of guard Josh Hubbard, who kept Mississippi State in the game early, but noted the team's overall inconsistency and inability to match Tennessee's intensity from the opening tip.
Why it matters
The loss drops Mississippi State to 18-9 overall and 6-8 in SEC play, making their path to the NCAA Tournament more difficult. Jans acknowledged the team's struggles with consistency all season, an issue they'll need to address heading into the final stretch.
The details
Tennessee jumped out to a big early lead, dunking the ball multiple times in the first few minutes as Mississippi State struggled to execute their defensive game plan. The Bulldogs were able to cut the deficit to 27-25 thanks to a strong start from Hubbard, but the Vols responded with a run to close the half. Mississippi State made a late push in the second half, going on an 18-0 run, but ultimately couldn't overcome the early deficit.
- The game was played on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, Mississippi.
The players
Chris Jans
The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs men's basketball team.
Josh Hubbard
A guard for the Mississippi State Bulldogs who had a strong individual performance in the loss.
Rick Barnes
The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team, known for his physical, old-school coaching style.
What they’re saying
“Yeah, I mean, it was the biggest reason why we dug ourselves a hole. Along with how we started the game defensively, from not being assignment correct on the game plan that we had installed. And our ball-screen coverage was nothing that we haven't done in the past. It was pretty simple, trying to keep the ball and the roller in front.”
— Chris Jans, Head Coach, Mississippi State Bulldogs (on3.com)
“It's what they always do. You know, you either gotta step in the ring or not, because they're gonna drag you in there. And you've gotta decide if you're gonna fight or flee.”
— Chris Jans, Head Coach, Mississippi State Bulldogs (on3.com)
What’s next
Mississippi State will look to bounce back on Saturday when they travel to Oxford to take on in-state rival Ole Miss.
The takeaway
Despite a late rally, Mississippi State couldn't overcome Tennessee's physical, dominant start, highlighting the Bulldogs' ongoing struggles with consistency this season. Jans acknowledged the team's need to match that intensity from the opening tip if they hope to make a push for the NCAA Tournament in the final weeks.
