Mississippi State tunes up for SEC season vs. Alabama State

Mississippi State could be sorting out its early-season problems at the right time when it hosts Alabama State on Monday in Starkville, Miss.

It's the final nonconference game for the Bulldogs (7-5), who begin an 18-game march through the Southeastern Conference in January. Their resolve to hang on for a 71-66 home win against Memphis on Dec. 20 was progress in the eyes of coach Chris Jans.

"We've learned and grown with this group and we are making better decisions," Jans said. "We are understanding how valuable these possessions are as the clock dissipates before the final buzzer."

While Jayden Epps poured in 19 points and leading scorer Josh Hubbard racked up 17 points, it was the steady hand of Shawn Jones Jr. that stood out. He scored nine points, grabbed five rebounds and handed out four assists.

The 6-foot-6 guard has spent his entire career with the Bulldogs. Jones averages 6.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game and has come off the bench in 82 of 105 career games. Yet, with the game on the line, Jans trusted the senior's decision-making.

"When we subbed Shawn in with four to five minutes left, he was primarily throwing the inbounds passes," Jans said. "There's a lot of pressure on that guy. It's not always what he does. But he understands the value of every possession and the pass and catch part of that game. He kept us organized, communicated with teammates and made sure we were all on the same page."

It's also the last game for the Hornets (3-9) before SWAC play. Alabama State has lost six games in a row and has Memphis as a common opponent. Alabama State lost to the Tigers 88-67 on Dec. 22. Asjon Anderson led the Hornets with 16 points.

Last year's team won its first NCAA Tournament game in the First Four. But roster turnover means the Hornets have to jell during conference play to make a similar run.

"Our word this year is reset," Alabama State coach Tony Madlock said in the preseason. "I saw Jalen Hurts talking about some advice he got from Michael Jordan earlier this year. (Jordan) never talked about trying to repeat but focused on the reset."

--Field Level Media