OXFORD — Not all individual high-scoring games are created equally. Mississippi State basketball Josh Hubbard had the best type of offensive performance against Ole Miss.
Mississippi State beat Ole Miss 90-78 on Feb. 14 at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion as the Bulldogs (12-13, 4-8 SEC) and Rebels (11-14, 3-9) split the season series.
Hubbard led MSU with 32 points, but that isn't a new phenomenon. The star guard has scored 30 points or more in five games this season.
Against the Rebels, though, Hubbard did it in a highly efficient manner. He shot 12-for-16 (75%) from the field and was 4-for-6 on 3-pointers.
"I really just let the game come to me," Hubbard said. "I wasn't chasing most of my shots. Just letting the flow come to me and taking shots that I felt could go in."
His other 30-point games have required 24 shots, 22 shots, 31 shots and 23 shots. The 16-shot game against Ole Miss was his first 30-point game to come on better than 50% shooting.
Ole Miss coach Chris Beard said he emphasized not letting Hubbard drive with his right hand in the scouting report and during the game in huddles. Beard wasn't pleased with the results. Hubbard had 20 points from two-pointers and the free throw line.
"He was getting to create his own angles, his own shots" MSU coach Chris Jans said. "He got downhill a couple times and didn't get the call, but he was pretty aggressive. I like when he does that. Sometimes he'll settle for the 3-pointer. With his ability he can get it off almost at any time against most opponents, but I still like when he puts pressure on the rim once in a while."
The performance was a stark contrast to Hubbard's performance in the first game against Ole Miss on Jan. 17. Hubbard was held to 13 points on 19% shooting in that game.
"After that game, it did affect me mentally a little bit," Hubbard said. "Credit to my coaches and my teammates, they helped me get through it and move past it."
Ole Miss has lost seven consecutive games, with its most recent win being the game against MSU. Hubbard missed two late free throws against Ole Miss in that game that contributed to the 68-67 loss.
Hubard is from Madison and was initially committed to Ole Miss out of high school. He said the prior matchup this season was not on his mind during the rematch, but that he always enjoys facing the Rebels.
"It's always been fun playing against them in these rivalry games," Hubbard said. "Just being from Mississippi is icing on the cake. Going against these guys is always fun and very competitive."
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at [email protected] or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Josh Hubbard's big night vs Ole Miss different from other top games