Here are some of the key weaknesses for Mississippi State men's basketball during the 202425 season, based on performance trends and game analysis:
1. Perimeter Defense
Opponents have had success from beyond the arc at times, especially when the Bulldogs overcommit on help defense.
Defensive rotations on the perimeter have occasionally been slow, allowing open 3-point looks.
2. Inconsistent Guard Play
While Josh Hubbard has been a high-level scorer, the team sometimes struggles with ball security and consistent playmaking when pressured by aggressive defenses.
Turnovers from the backcourt in late-game situations have cost them close games.
3. Foul Trouble
Key frontcourt players like Cameron Matthews and KeShawn Murphy can get into early foul trouble, limiting their impact and disrupting the team's interior presence on both ends.
4. Free Throw Shooting
The team's free throw percentage has hovered around the middle of the pack nationally, and missed free throws in close games have been costly.
5. Offensive Efficiency in Half-Court Sets
While they can score in transition, their half-court offense can become stagnant if Hubbard is taken out of rhythm.
At times, there's a lack of secondary scoring options when the primary scorer is well defended.
6. Depth Concerns
Beyond their top 67 players, the bench production is inconsistent, making them vulnerable in games where starters struggle or need rest.
Opponents' 3-Point Percentage: Opposing teams are shooting around 33.8% from beyond the arc against them, which places Mississippi State in the middle-to-lower tier nationally in three-point defense.
Perimeter Rotations: Defensive breakdowns and slow rotations on the perimeter have led to too many open looks, especially against teams that run motion offenses or spread the floor well.
Closeouts: Their defenders sometimes overhelp on drives, leading to poor closeouts and open corner or wing threes.
Matchup Issues: When facing teams with multiple shooters, Mississippi State sometimes struggles to match up due to lineup size and defensive switching.
1. Perimeter Defense
Opponents have had success from beyond the arc at times, especially when the Bulldogs overcommit on help defense.
Defensive rotations on the perimeter have occasionally been slow, allowing open 3-point looks.
2. Inconsistent Guard Play
While Josh Hubbard has been a high-level scorer, the team sometimes struggles with ball security and consistent playmaking when pressured by aggressive defenses.
Turnovers from the backcourt in late-game situations have cost them close games.
3. Foul Trouble
Key frontcourt players like Cameron Matthews and KeShawn Murphy can get into early foul trouble, limiting their impact and disrupting the team's interior presence on both ends.
4. Free Throw Shooting
The team's free throw percentage has hovered around the middle of the pack nationally, and missed free throws in close games have been costly.
5. Offensive Efficiency in Half-Court Sets
While they can score in transition, their half-court offense can become stagnant if Hubbard is taken out of rhythm.
At times, there's a lack of secondary scoring options when the primary scorer is well defended.
6. Depth Concerns
Beyond their top 67 players, the bench production is inconsistent, making them vulnerable in games where starters struggle or need rest.
Opponents' 3-Point Percentage: Opposing teams are shooting around 33.8% from beyond the arc against them, which places Mississippi State in the middle-to-lower tier nationally in three-point defense.
Perimeter Rotations: Defensive breakdowns and slow rotations on the perimeter have led to too many open looks, especially against teams that run motion offenses or spread the floor well.
Closeouts: Their defenders sometimes overhelp on drives, leading to poor closeouts and open corner or wing threes.
Matchup Issues: When facing teams with multiple shooters, Mississippi State sometimes struggles to match up due to lineup size and defensive switching.
