Texas A&M Edges Out Mississippi State 68-64

Bulldogs drop third straight SEC game in tight battle on NCAA Tournament bubble

Feb. 27, 2026 at 3:06am

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Mississippi State fell 68-64 to Texas A&M on Thursday night in a close game between two teams fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs rallied from an early deficit to take a lead in the third quarter, but the Aggies fought back in the fourth to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This loss drops Mississippi State to 3-3 in SEC play, putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy. The Bulldogs are now on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament, making their final regular season game against No. 6 LSU a crucial matchup.

The details

Mississippi State fell behind 11-2 early but fought back to tie the game at 12-12 by the end of the first quarter. The teams went into halftime knotted at 25-25. Freshman Madison Francis scored 11 points in the third quarter to give the Bulldogs a 46-41 lead heading to the fourth. But Texas A&M rallied late, going on a 3-minute run to take a 63-60 lead that they would not relinquish.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • Mississippi State will wrap up the regular season at home against No. 6 LSU on Sunday.

The players

Madison Francis

A freshman for Mississippi State who scored 19 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal through three quarters to help the Bulldogs take the lead.

Trayanna Crisp

A guard for Mississippi State who hit a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to keep the Bulldogs close.

Chandler Prater

A guard for Mississippi State who also hit a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to try and rally the Bulldogs.

Salese Blow

A player for Texas A&M who hit a key layup in the final minute to extend the Aggies' lead to 4 points.

Sam Purcell

The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.