Five Takeaways from Mississippi State's Loss to Florida
The Mississippi State men's basketball team fell to Florida 79-70 on Wednesday night. This loss gives the Bulldogs a 2-4 start to SEC play, which is a significant difference from their previous 11-2 non-conference record to start the season.
This matchup had many factors that influenced the outcome in Gainesville, Fla. Here are five takeaways:
A Strong Presence on the Offensive Glass
Despite the loss, Mississippi State recorded more offensive rebounds, a battle that often goes to the game's victors. The Bulldogs hauled in a stellar 22 compared to the Gators' 15. This is a main takeaway because Florida entered Wednesday night with the second-most offensive boards in all of college basketball.
Mississippi State did an excellent job of cleaning the offensive glass early in the game, as they tallied nine after only 10 minutes. The Bulldogs were stout when the ball came off of iron from Florida's shots as well, as the Gators earned their first offensive rebound shortly after Mississippi State's ninth.
However, when Florida started to catch up in this area late in the first half, the momentum continued to shift in their direction on both sides of the ball in the second.
Josh Hubbard and Will Richard's First-Half Performances
Both teams had a rough start to the game, as neither of them were able to put the ball in the basket. The final 8-10 minutes of the opening half were much more back-and-forth, you-score-I-score gameplay, but Florida still had a nine-point edge going into the break.
That said, the you-score-I-score latter 10 minutes of the first half wasn't a collective team effort by either side.
Mississippi State sixth-man Josh Hubbard entered Wednesday night averaging the second-most points on the team at around 14.2 per game. But by halftime, he already scored 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-7 from downtown.
Florida guard Will Richard came into the game averaging the fifth-most points on his team at around 10.8 per game. But by halftime, he also scored 18 points on 6-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-4 from behind the arc.
Surprisingly, the second half was much different for Hubbard and Richard, as they recorded a combined 11 points.
Rough Start to the Second Half
Mississippi State went back to their early struggles to start the second period, as they couldn't buy a bucket from downtown, mid-range or even under the basket after multiple offensive rebounds. Typically turnovers are a cause for rough shooting numbers and momentum shifts, but the Bulldogs logged only three more than Florida.
Florida took advantage of Mississippi State's poor shooting by running in transition for quick and easy baskets. They certainly spread the wealth throughout the second half, as four players finished the game with at least 12 points. The Gators even amassed a 17-point lead midway through the second half.
Free Throw Woes...Once Again
It's getting redundant the amount of times "free throw woes" have been a main takeaway from a Mississippi State loss. Wednesday night was slightly different because they didn't get to the charity stripe often, but they still converted on just 4-of-9 attempts. The Bulldogs entered the game with the second-lowest free throw percentage in the SEC (69.8 percent) and they'll likely fall to the last spot.
The reason for the expected drop—Florida was in last place in that category entering the game, yet they shined from the line against Mississippi State, as they converted on 17-of-20 attempts. The Bulldogs' defense struggled for practically the entire game and the Gators' efforts to draw fouls down low made a tremendous impact on the outcome.
Full Court Press Triggers Comeback
Mississippi State's defense has been an issue of late and Wednesday night was no different. But when the Bulldogs' were down by 17 midway through the second half, head coach Chris Jans made an adjustment to use a full-court press method.
The constant pressure forced multiple turnovers, including one 10-second violation as Florida was unable to reach half-court in that time span. Hubbard, forward Tolu Smith, who logged a double-double with six of his 11 rebounds coming offensively, among others, started to score consistently. A three-pointer by guard Shakeel Moore eventually cut it to 66-57.
Richard ended the Bulldogs' 10-0 run with his fourth make from downtown, but Mississippi State made it a 69-63 game shortly after. However, several late free throws would ice the game, eliminating a comeback from being completed.
