
In a pivotal Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup on January 7, 2025, the No. 14 Mississippi State Bulldogs secured a 76-64 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville.
This win marked Mississippi State’s eighth consecutive triumph, enhancing their season record to 14-1 and maintaining their momentum in SEC play.
The Bulldogs’ success was spearheaded by guard RJ Melendez, who delivered a standout performance with 19 points, leading all scorers. His offensive prowess was complemented by teammates Cameron Matthews and Claudell Harris, who contributed 16 and 13 points, respectively. Harris’s timely three-point shooting played a crucial role in disrupting Vanderbilt’s attempts to rally.
Mississippi State’s defensive strategy was instrumental in their victory. The Bulldogs implemented a stifling defense that limited the Commodores to a 35% shooting percentage from the field, including a mere 5 of 26 from beyond the arc. This defensive pressure forced Vanderbilt into committing 13 turnovers, 10 of which occurred in the first half, hindering the Commodores’ offensive rhythm.
The game’s momentum shifted significantly during a critical stretch bridging the first and second halves. Mississippi State orchestrated a 10-0 run to conclude the first half, followed by a 15-6 surge in the opening five minutes of the second half. This combined 25-6 run transformed a competitive contest into a commanding lead for the Bulldogs, with the advantage swelling to as much as 22 points.
Despite the substantial deficit, Vanderbilt exhibited resilience in the latter stages of the game. The Commodores managed to narrow the gap to five points with under five minutes remaining, capitalizing on a lapse in the Bulldogs’ intensity. However, Mississippi State’s composure and timely shot-making in the closing minutes thwarted Vanderbilt’s comeback aspirations.
Vanderbilt’s offensive efforts were led by AJ Hoggard, who scored 18 points, and Grant Huffman, who added 12 points. Notably, Jason Edwards, typically a key contributor for the Commodores, was held scoreless for the first time in his collegiate career. Edwards, recovering from a thigh injury sustained in a previous game against LSU, appeared limited, missing all eight of his field-goal attempts, including five from three-point range.
The loss was a setback for Vanderbilt, especially considering their strong start under first-year head coach Mark Byington. The Commodores entered the game with a 13-1 record, including an unblemished 8-0 mark at home. However, the defeat highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in shooting efficiency and ball security, as they transition deeper into conference play.
For Mississippi State, the victory reinforced their status as a formidable contender in the SEC. The Bulldogs’ balanced offensive attack, combined with a tenacious defense, underscores their potential to compete at a high level as the season progresses. Head Coach Chris Jans praised his team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the entirety of the game.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State aims to extend their winning streak as they prepare to host the Kentucky Wildcats in their next conference matchup. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt will seek to rebound from this loss when they travel to Columbia to face the Missouri Tigers. Both teams recognize the significance of these upcoming games in shaping their trajectories within the highly competitive SEC landscape.
In summary, Mississippi State’s ability to execute decisive runs and apply relentless defensive pressure were key factors in their 76-64 victory over Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs’ depth and resilience continue to propel them forward, while the Commodores are left to regroup and address the challenges exposed during this encounter.