The Northwestern State Demons will face the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a college basketball regular season game. The game is set to take place at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, Mississippi. Scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET, fans can watch the action on SEC TV.
Northwestern State comes into this game with an 0-1 record after a loss to Baylor. Key players like Kai Simpson, who scored 17 points, will be crucial for the Demons. They will need to improve their 37.3% shooting from the field to challenge the Bulldogs.
On the other side, Mississippi State started their season strong with a win against Tennessee Tech. Players like Josh Hubbard and King Grace stood out, scoring 25 and 23 points, respectively. The Bulldogs' efficient shooting at 58.3% will be a key factor in this game.
Mississippi State vs Northwestern State At a Glance
- Game Location: Humphrey Coliseum, Starkville MS
- Game Date & Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET
- TV Broadcast: SEC
- Mississippi State Record: 1-0 (Home: 1-0)
- Northwestern State Record: 0-1 (Away: 0-1)
- Odds Favorite: Mississippi State (-21 Spread, -7000 MoneyLine)
Mississippi State Bulldogs Ready for High-Scoring Battle
Offensive Firepower
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are scoring 106 points per game, ranking them 26th in the nation. They are efficient with a field goal percentage of 58.3, placing them 20th. Their effective field goal percentage is even higher at 68.3, which ranks 11th.
They average 12 three-pointers per game, with a remarkable shooting percentage of 50 from beyond the arc, ranking 13th. Their offensive strategy also involves drawing fouls, making 24 free throws per game on 32 attempts.
Key Players to Watch
Josh Hubbard leads the team, averaging 25 points and 9 assists per game. King Grace contributes significantly, with 23 points and 8 rebounds, although his status is questionable due to an injury.
TJ Simpkins adds 15 points and 5 rebounds, providing balance in the backcourt. Thomas Bassong is also a contributor with 14 points and 6 rebounds.
Defensive Overview
On defense, the Bulldogs record 7 steals per game. They average 5 blocks, which needs improvement as it ranks 316th.
Their defense also struggles with discipline, committing 19 fouls per game. They also need to reduce their turnovers, which stand at 15 per game.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
Against the Spread Trends
- ATS Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
Totals (Over/Under) Trends
- O/U Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
Northwestern State Demons Gear Up for Battle
Team Overview
The Northwestern State Demons have started their season with a game against the Baylor Bears. The Demons lost 65-87 in that game. They aim to improve their record as the season progresses.
The Demons score an average of 65 points per game, ranking them 296th nationally. They average 77.1 possessions per game, placing them 78th in this category. The team is working to find their rhythm on offense.
Offensive Challenges
Northwestern State's shooting percentages highlight areas for improvement. They hit 37.3% of their field goals, which ranks 311th. Their 3-point shooting is at 21.7%, ranking 373rd.
The Demons attempt 59 field goals per game, ranking them 254th. They aim to increase their scoring opportunities and efficiency. Improving shooting accuracy will be crucial for the team.
Key Players
Kai Simpson leads the team with 17 points per game. He also contributes with 3 assists and 1 steal per game. His field goal percentage stands at 46.2%.
Nathan Ojukwu adds 13 points and 3 rebounds per game. Isaiah Vick is another important player, averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds. These players are vital to the Demons' success.
Defensive Performance
Northwestern State records 7 steals per game, ranking 193rd. Their defense generates opportunities to disrupt opponents. The team averages 4 blocks per game, which ranks them 246th.
The Demons commit 25 fouls per game, ranking 407th. Reducing fouls will be important to limit free throw opportunities for opponents. Focusing on disciplined defense can help the team.
Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
Mississippi State vs Northwestern State Prediction: Mississippi State -21
Mississippi State comes into this game with a strong start, having won their first game of the season. They are scoring at an impressive rate of 106 points per game. Their field goal percentage of 58.3% ranks them 20th, making them a potent offensive force.
Northwestern State struggled in their first game, scoring only 65 points. Their shooting struggles are evident with a field goal percentage of 37.3%, ranking 311th. This poor shooting performance may continue against a disciplined team like Mississippi State.
Mississippi State's ability to score efficiently, combined with Northwestern State's struggles, indicates a likely cover for the Bulldogs. The home-court advantage also adds to Mississippi State's strength in this matchup. Expect Mississippi State to dominate both ends of the floor.
Projected final score sees Mississippi State controlling the pace and securing a comfortable win. This points towards a likely cover of the 21-point spread as Northwestern State's challenges seem too significant to overcome.
- Mississippi State vs Northwestern State Prediction: Mississippi State -21
- Mississippi State vs Northwestern State Score: Mississippi State 87 - Northwestern State 60
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