Mississippi State Basketball found themselves on the losing end of a 98-77 blowout against Kansas State at the Hall of Fame Classic Championship game. The game showcased the exceptional performance of PJ Haggerty, who scored a season-high 37 points for the Wildcats, marking his second consecutive 30-point game. This loss raises serious questions about the defensive capabilities of the Bulldogs, who have struggled to live up to the expectations set by Coach Chris Jans.
PJ Haggerty's dominance on the court was a pivotal factor in the Wildcats' victory. His performance, which included a game-high 8 assists and 7 rebounds, not only led to a comfortable win for Kansas State but also solidified their 5-0 start to the season, their best since the 2022-23 season. Haggerty's performance was reminiscent of college basketball legend Jimmer Fredette, highlighting his ability to carry a team on his back.
Despite Haggerty's stellar performance, the focus for Mississippi State must shift towards addressing their defensive issues. The Bulldogs have failed to meet the defensive standards expected from a Coach Jans-led team, a trend that began even before their matchup against Kansas State. The team's inability to contain high-scoring opponents, as evidenced by Haggerty's 37-point outburst, underscores the urgency for defensive improvements.
The loss to Kansas State is a harsh wake-up call for Mississippi State, who will need to regroup and refocus on their defensive strategies. As they continue their season, the Bulldogs will need to address these critical issues to compete at a higher level. The Mississippi State basketball team will need to leverage this loss as a learning experience to fortify their defense and return to the form expected of them.
