Mississippi State Dominates North Alabama in Season Opener
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 9:00 PM ET · Humphrey Coliseum
Mississippi State Bulldogs 86, North Alabama Lions 62, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won North Alabama Lions vs Mississippi State Bulldogs?
Mississippi State Bulldogs beat North Alabama Lions 86-62 at Humphrey Coliseum on November 5, 2025.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs showcased a commanding performance in their season opener, defeating the North Alabama Lions 86-62 at Humphrey Coliseum. This game highlighted the Bulldogs' potential as they look to build on their early momentum in the season. Mississippi State entered the game with a home record of 1-0, while North Alabama was seeking their first win of the season after starting with a record of 0-1.
In terms of recent form, Mississippi State had a mixed bag in their last ten games prior to this season opener, with a record of 4-6. They had been struggling with a one-game losing streak and averaged 79.8 points scored while allowing 80.6 points. Their last five games showed a slight improvement, with an average of 83.8 points scored and 79.2 points allowed. The Bulldogs had a home record of 3-2 in those ten games, indicating they were somewhat more comfortable playing at home.
On the other hand, North Alabama had enjoyed better recent success, boasting a record of 8-2 in their last ten games before facing Mississippi State. However, they were also on a one-game losing streak leading into this matchup. The Lions averaged 79.6 points scored and allowed 68.9 points during that stretch, showcasing a solid defensive effort compared to their offensive output. North Alabama's away record in those ten games was 2-2, suggesting they were capable of competing on the road.
Historically, this matchup was significant as it marked a meeting between two teams with different trajectories. Mississippi State had shown resilience in their recent games, while North Alabama aimed to bounce back after a tough start to the season. The Bulldogs' last five games had seen them secure two wins, while the Lions had been on a roll prior to their recent loss.
In terms of injuries, there were no specific details provided in the block regarding player availability for either team, which means both squads likely fielded their strongest lineups for this encounter.
The betting market had given Mississippi State a strong probability of winning, with a home win probability of 1.0, indicating they were heavily favored in this matchup according to the odds.
The game conditions were conducive for basketball, with the venue, Humphrey Coliseum, providing a familiar atmosphere for the Bulldogs as they opened their season at home. Fans were treated to a display of offensive prowess from Mississippi State, who took control of the game early.
As the game progressed, Mississippi State's scoring plays were pivotal in establishing their dominance. Key moments included a series of successful shots in the second half, with Sergej Macura contributing with a jumper and layup, and Ja'Borri McGhee hitting a three-point jumper. The Bulldogs maintained a steady lead throughout the game, with their final scoring play coming from Jayden Epps, who made a layup to seal the 86-62 victory.
Overall, this matchup served as an important early-season test for both teams, with Mississippi State demonstrating their capability to perform at a high level in front of their home crowd.
Leaders
- PointsJosh Hubbard27Mississippi State Bulldogs
- AssistsJosh Hubbard8Mississippi State Bulldogs
- ReboundsSergej Macura12Mississippi State Bulldogs
- PointsCanin Jefferson16North Alabama Lions
- AssistsCortez Graham-Howard2North Alabama Lions
- ReboundsCorneilous Williams13North Alabama Lions
Recent form
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Last 10: 4-6Streak L179.8 scored · 80.6 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L73-85at Missouri TigersMar 13
- W91-62vs LSU TigersMar 12
- L92-93at Arkansas RazorbacksMar 8
- L82-87vs Texas LonghornsMar 5
- W81-69vs LSU TigersMar 1
- L73-111at Alabama Crimson TideFeb 26
- L87-93at Oklahoma SoonersFeb 22
- W70-54vs Texas A&M AggiesFeb 19
- W81-71at Ole Miss RebelsFeb 15
- L68-81vs Florida GatorsFeb 12
North Alabama Lions
Last 10: 8-2Streak L179.6 scored · 68.9 allowed per game2-2 away
- L65-76at Lipscomb BisonsMar 9
- W78-63vs Jacksonville DolphinsMar 7
- W90-64vs Austin Peay GovernorsMar 4
- W74-69vs Queens University RoyalsFeb 27
- W93-70at Central Arkansas BearsFeb 25
- L63-75at Lipscomb BisonsFeb 21
- W80-62vs West Georgia WolvesFeb 19
- W92-79vs Jacksonville DolphinsFeb 15
- W83-70vs North Florida OspreysFeb 14
- W78-61at West Georgia WolvesFeb 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Valley | 25-9 | - | 14-4 |
| California Baptist | 25-9 | 1 | 13-5 |
| Utah Tech | 19-15 | 2 | 11-7 |
| UT Arlington | 18-14 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Southern Utah | 10-22 | 7 | 6-12 |
| Tarleton State | 14-18 | 9 | 5-13 |
| Abilene Christian | 14-19 | 9 | 5-13 |
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | North Alabama Lions | Mississippi State Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-65 | 31-71 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 7-19 | 8-27 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 30 |
| Free throws | 7-12 | 16-24 |
| Free throw % | 58 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 53 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 19 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 34 |
| Assists | 7 | 15 |
| Steals | 5 | 9 |
| Blocks | 8 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 42 |
| Fouls | 20 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 24 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-40Corneilous Williams made Jumper. Assisted by Tank Washington.
- 2nd Half41-40Kevin de Kovachich made Layup. Assisted by Tank Washington.
- 2nd Half41-42Quincy Ballard made Dunk. Assisted by Josh Hubbard.
- 2nd Half43-42Kevin de Kovachich made Jumper.
- 2nd Half45-42Corneilous Williams made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half48-42Canin Jefferson made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half50-42Kevin de Kovachich made Jumper.
- 2nd Half51-42Kevin de Kovachich made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-45Shawn Jones Jr. made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Ja'Borri McGhee.
- 2nd Half51-46Josh Hubbard made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-48Ja'Borri McGhee made Layup.
- 2nd Half51-51Josh Hubbard made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Ja'Borri McGhee.
- 2nd Half51-53Jamarion Davis-Fleming made Layup. Assisted by Shawn Jones Jr..
- 2nd Half51-55Jamarion Davis-Fleming made Dunk. Assisted by Josh Hubbard.
- 2nd Half51-56Ja'Borri McGhee made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-57Ja'Borri McGhee made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half53-57DarKaun King made Jumper.
- 2nd Half53-58Josh Hubbard made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half53-59Josh Hubbard made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half55-59Kevin de Kovachich made Jumper.
- 2nd Half55-61Josh Hubbard made Layup.
- 2nd Half55-62Josh Hubbard made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half55-65Dellquan Warren made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Josh Hubbard.
- 2nd Half57-65Canin Jefferson made Jumper.
- 2nd Half58-65Canin Jefferson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-66Josh Hubbard made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-67Josh Hubbard made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-67Canin Jefferson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-69Ja'Borri McGhee made Jumper.
- 2nd Half59-70Ja'Borri McGhee made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-71Ja'Borri McGhee made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-71Corneilous Williams made Layup. Assisted by Braylon Patton.
- 2nd Half61-73Sergej Macura made Jumper. Assisted by Josh Hubbard.
- 2nd Half61-75Sergej Macura made Layup.
- 2nd Half62-75Kevin de Kovachich made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-78Ja'Borri McGhee made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Josh Hubbard.
- 2nd Half62-81Josh Hubbard made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half62-82Jamarion Davis-Fleming made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-84Sergej Macura made Jumper.
- 2nd Half62-86Jayden Epps made Layup.
Win probability
Above the line favours Mississippi State Bulldogs, below favours North Alabama Lions.
Venue
- Humphrey ColiseumStarkville, MS
- Attendance9060
- OfficialsTodd Austin, Owen Shortt, Devyn Page
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