The Mississippi State Bulldogs faced off against the San Francisco Dons in a tightly contested game at Cadence Bank Arena. The Bulldogs, now holding a 0-1 record, fell to the Dons who improved to 1-0 with a final score of 65-62.

Dec 23, 2023; Newark, NY, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Cameron Matthews (4) rebounds during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

First Half

The first half saw the Bulldogs struggling to find their rhythm, managing only 22 points compared to the Dons' 30. Despite their efforts, MSU's shooting accuracy was hindered by San Francisco's strong defensive presence. Cameren Paul and Sergej Macura attempted to rally their team with aggressive plays but were met with resistance from the Dons' defense.

Second Half

In the second half, Mississippi State came alive offensively, scoring an impressive 40 points. Jayden Epps led this resurgence with his sharp shooting and quick drives into the paint. The Dawgs managed to close in on San Francisco's lead multiple times during this period but ultimately couldn't overcome their deficit.

Key Performances

Jayden Epps stood out for MSU with his consistent performance throughout both halves. His ability to penetrate defenses and score under pressure was crucial in keeping the game competitive. On defense, Quincy Ballard contributed significantly by securing rebounds that limited second-chance opportunities for San Francisco.

On the other side of the court, San Francisco capitalized on key moments where they maintained composure under pressure from MSU’s late-game push. Their bench players also provided essential support that helped sustain their lead till the end.

This Mississippi State Bulldogs vs San Francisco Dons match summary highlights how close contests can hinge on pivotal plays and individual performances that shift momentum within seconds.

Looking ahead, fans can catch Mississippi State as they face Utah Runnin' Utes at Delta Center in Salt Lake City on December 13th at 10:00 PM EDT broadcasted live on ESPNU. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our coverage of this exciting season!

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