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Mississippi State basketball vs. Michigan State score, highlights: Bulldogs fall in 2024 March Madness

Sam Sklar, Hattiesburg American
·5 min read

The Round of 64 of the 2024 NCAA Tournament begins today with No. 8 Mississippi State basketball versus No. 9 Michigan State in the West Region to begin the festivities.

The Bulldogs (21-13) got their first taste of March Madness under coach Chris Jans last season, but it ended in a First Four loss to Pitt. Now, they're back in the Round of 64 for the first time in five years and are hoping to advance for the first time since 2008.

Meanwhile, Tom Izzo and the Spartans (19-14) are making their 26th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. He and Michigan State have lost only once in the Round of 64 since 2011, when they were a No. 2 seed and suffered an upset to No. 15 Middle Tennessee State in 2016.

Follow along here for live score updates.

Mississippi State vs. Michigan State live score updates in NCAA first round

Final: Michigan State 69, Mississippi State 51

Mississippi State running out of time

The Spartans hold a 66-51 lead with 3:49 to play. Mississippi State is 5-for-10 from the free throw line.

Michigan State takes 14-point lead

The Spartans have their largest lead of the game at 59-45 with 9:13 remaining. After Keshawn Murphy missed a 3-pointer, Mady Sissoko grabbed an offensive rebound on the other end and kicked a pass out to Trejuan Holloman for 3. Jans called his second timeout of the game.

Jaden Akins highlight reel block on Josh Hubbard

A Cameron Matthews steal led to a Mississippi State fastbreak with Josh Hubbard behind the defense. As he elevated for a layup, Michigan State guard Jaden Akins swatted his shot from behind. Hubbard took a hard bump on the head as he fell to the floor and was evaluated for a concussion, according to the CBS broadcast. He came back in the game less than a minute later.

Tolu Smith picks up third foul early in second half

After DJ Jefferies battled foul trouble early in the first half, Tolu Smith has his own foul trouble in the second half. The Mississippi State starting forward committed his third foul of the game 48 seconds into the second half and was forced to the bench in favor of Jimmy Bell Jr.

Malik Hall beats halftime buzzer, Michigan State leads 31-24

Josh Hubbard drained a pair of 3's for a 6-0 Mississippi State run at the end of the first half, but Malik Hall beat the halftime buzzer on a running floater. Michigan State leads 31-24 but led by as many as 12 points in the first half. Hubbard leads all scorers with 13 points, followed by Tyson Walker with 10 points.

DJ Jeffries playing through injury

Jans said in a TV interview during a timeout that forward DJ Jeffries is playing through an injury that he suffered against Auburn in the SEC tournament. After a quick trip to the bench, Jeffries returned to the game with 7:55 remaining in the first half and Michigan State leading 20-15.

Tyson Walker fuels 8-0 Michigan State run

Mississippi State has yet to lead in the game. The Bulldogs fell behind 10-4, then cut it to 10-8 before Tyson Walker drained two 3-pointers as part of an 8-0 run. The Spartans lead 18-8 with 12:14 remaining in the first half as Jans uses his first timeout.

Cameron Matthews in early foul trouble

Mississippi State forward Cameron Matthews picked up two quick fouls, forcing him to the bench three minutes into the game. One of his fouls came on an offensive foul.

What channel is Mississippi State vs. Michigan State on today? How to watch, stream live

  • Time: 11:15 a.m. CT

  • TV channel: CBS

  • Stream: NCAA March Madness Live app | Fubo (free trial)

  • Mississippi State will tip off vs. Michigan State on CBS. Steaming options include the NCAA March Madness Live app and Fubo, which offers a free trial. Announcers for the game are Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson and Allie LaForce.

Mississippi State vs. Michigan State preview

Mississippi State: Josh Hubbard has been a freshman sensation for the Bulldogs, but Tolu Smith could be key against a Michigan State team that has struggled to defend centers. A win would be their first in the NCAA Tournament since 2008.

Michigan State: The Spartans and Izzo are never a team anyone wants to face in March, even if their regular season didn't meet the high preseason expectations. Michigan State is led by guard Tyson Walker, who averages 18.2 points per game.

Mississippi State vs Michigan State odds, betting line, spread

Odds according to BetMGM

  • Spread: Michigan State -1.5

  • Over/under: 130.5

  • Moneyline: Michigan State -120, Mississippi State +100

Mississippi State vs Michigan State prediction, game picks

Mississippi State 72, Michigan State 70: Both teams emphasize defense, and Mississippi State will need to slow down Walker. The Bulldogs ultimately do and squeak by for the win.

Mississippi State vs Michigan State team injury updates

Mississippi State: No injuries to note.

Michigan State: Freshman point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. remains out after he was shot in December. Center Carson Cooper was wearing a face mask on Wednesday after getting hit in the nose during the Big Ten tournament, though he is expected to play.

Mississippi State vs Michigan State stats

MISSISSIPPI STATE

  • PPG: 74.8

  • PPG allowed: 69.1

  • FG%: 45.5

  • 3PT%: 32.5

  • KenPom ranking: 31

Michigan State

  • PPG: 73.1

  • PPG allowed: 65.9

  • FG%: 46.1

  • 3PT%: 35.9

  • KenPom ranking: 19

Mississippi State vs Michigan State championship odds

Odds according to BetMGM:

MISSISSIPPI STATE: +15000

MICHIGAN STATE: +10000

Mississippi State basketball schedule 2023-24

Below are the past five games of Mississippi State's 2023-24 basketball season. For the full schedule, click here.

Wednesday, March 6: Texas A&M 75, Mississippi State 69

Saturday, March 9: South Carolina 93, Mississippi State 89

Thursday, March 14: Mississippi State 70, LSU 60

Friday, March 15: Mississippi State 73, Tennessee 56

Saturday, March 16: Auburn 77, Mississippi State 63

Michigan State basketball schedule 2023-24

Below are the past five games of Michigan State's 2023-24 basketball season. For the full schedule, click here.

Saturday, March 2: Purdue 80, Michigan State 74

Wednesday, March 6: Michigan State 53, Northwestern 49

Sunday, March 10: Indiana 65, Michigan State 64

Thursday, March 14: Michigan State 77, Minnesota 67

Friday, March 15: Purdue 67, Michigan State 62

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Sam Sklar is the Southern Miss beat reporter for the Hattiesburg American. Email him at ssklar@hattiesb.gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Mississippi State vs Michigan State score: 2024 NCAA Tournament