Missouri Faces Mississippi State Seeking SEC Standings Boost

Tigers look to build on recent hot streak as Bulldogs aim to shore up defensive woes

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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With three games left in the SEC regular season, Missouri (19-9, 9-6) is eyeing a top-four conference finish as it visits Mississippi State (13-15, 5-10) on Saturday. The Tigers have won 5 of their last 7 behind strong play from Mark Mitchell, Trent Pierce, and Jayden Stone, while the Bulldogs have struggled defensively, allowing a league-high 80 points per game.

Why it matters

Missouri is in position to earn a favorable seed in the SEC Tournament and potentially make a run at an NCAA Tournament bid, while Mississippi State is looking to finish the season strong despite its defensive issues.

The details

Missouri opened SEC play with an impressive win over defending national champion Florida, then hit a rough patch before winning 5 of its last 7. The Tigers have found success when scoring at least 73 points, led by Mitchell's team-highs in points (17.4), rebounds (5.4) and assists (3.8). Stone and Pierce also provide scoring punch. For Mississippi State, Josh Hubbard is second in the SEC at 21.6 points per game, but the Bulldogs' porous defense has been a major problem, allowing opponents to shoot 44% from 3-point range in their last game.

  • Missouri faces Mississippi State on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • Missouri has 3 games remaining in the SEC regular season.

The players

Mark Mitchell

Missouri's leading scorer, rebounder and assist man, averaging 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

Jayden Stone

Missouri guard averaging 14.1 points per game and shooting 40% from 3-point range.

Josh Hubbard

Mississippi State's leading scorer, second in the SEC at 21.6 points per game.

Chris Jans

Mississippi State head coach.

Dennis Gates

Missouri head coach.

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What they’re saying

“What I see is a team, if you look at since we've had the valuable parts of Trent Pierce and Jayden Stone ... you have a team that's now starting to gel. Trying to figure out roles is no longer. These guys have accepted their roles.”

— Dennis Gates, Missouri Head Coach (statenews.net)

“It was definitely a buzzsaw, and I don't know if I've ever been involved in a game where the other team had 16 3s and only 4 2s at the end of 20 minutes.”

— Chris Jans, Mississippi State Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

Missouri will look to solidify its position in the SEC standings with a win over Mississippi State, while the Bulldogs aim to shore up their defensive issues before the SEC Tournament.

The takeaway

Missouri has found its stride in recent weeks and is in position to earn a favorable seed in the SEC Tournament, while Mississippi State continues to struggle defensively, an issue that has plagued the Bulldogs all season long.