Mississippi State routs No. 18 Pitt behind efficient shooting night

Mississippi State Bulldogs forward KeShawn Murphy. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Mississippi State routs No. 18 Pittsburgh behind efficient shooting night

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Dec 4, 2024 11:22 PM ET

The 18th-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers (7-2) had no chance from the opening tip against Mississippi State (7-1) on Wednesday night.

The Bulldogs led by 22 at the half and never looked back in a 90-57 blowout win over the Panthers.

Pittsburgh had no answer for Mississippi State. The Bulldogs went 37-for-64 from the floor (57.8%) and outrebounded Pittsburgh, 49-27. Mississippi State also dominated in the paint, 52-14.

Junior KeShawn Murphy put up a team-high 20 points off the bench. While Josh Hubbard, who leads the team with 19.1 points per game, was held to 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting, sophomore Michael Nwoko made up for Hubbard's subpar performance.

Nwoko had 18 points, 11 rebounds and went 7-for-9 in the game. This powerful slam from Nwoko added to the dominant showing from Mississippi State, extending the Bulldogs lead to 49-25 less than a minute into the second half.

MICHAEL NWOKO THROWS IT DOWN

Mississippi State is making a STATEMENT at home

(via @HailStateMBK)pic.twitter.com/1HzbzDszER
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) December 5, 2024

Pittsburgh struggled to find any rhythm all night long. Only sophomore Jaland Lowe (19 points) and freshman Brandin Cummings (12 points) scored in double figures.

In contrast to the Bulldogs' efficient shooting, Pittsburgh only made 31.3% of its shots (20-for-64) and struggled from three-point range (8-for-26).

Prior to an 81-75 loss to No. 19 Wisconsin (8-1) on Nov. 24, Pittsburgh started the season 6-0, including wins over West Virginia (5-2), 86-62, and LSU (7-1), 74-63. With Wednesday night's loss, the Panthers have now dropped two of their last three games.

In that loss to Wisconsin, Pittsburgh also struggled from long range (5-for-23). The Panthers begin ACC play against Virginia Tech (3-5) on Saturday as they look for a bounce back performance.

Mississippi State's lone setback so far came against Butler (7-1), 87-77. The Bulldogs return to action on Sunday against Prairie View A&M.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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