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How Josh Hubbard's big night for Mississippi State vs Ole Miss differed from other top games
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- How Josh Hubbard's big night for Mississippi State vs Ole Miss differed from other top games
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.
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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.
Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Achor Achor (99) dunks against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Ole Miss students cheer before the game against Mississippi State in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12), Mississippi Rebels guard Eduardo Klafke (8), and Mississippi Rebels forward Augusto Cassia (88) go for the ball in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming (0) scores against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans watches against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Achor Achor (99) is defended by Mississippi Rebels guard Patton Pinkins (23) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard talks to Mississippi Rebels forward Malik Dia (0) during a timeout in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Sergej Macura (11) is guarded by Mississippi Rebels guard Travis Perry (11) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi Rebels guard AJ Storr (2) is guided by Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming (0) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi Rebels guard AJ Storr (2) is defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Achor Achor (99) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi Rebels guard AJ Storr (2) scores against Mississippi State in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts to a foul call against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi Rebels forward Augusto Cassia (88) is guarded by Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming (0) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi Rebels guard Travis Perry (11) is defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Sergej Macura (11) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Ja’Borri McGhee (2) scores and is fouled by Mississippi Rebels forward Malik Dia (0) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12) passes the ball as Mississippi Rebels forward Corey Chest (1) falls on him in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard watches against Mississippi State in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Ole Miss students cheer before the game against Mississippi State in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi Rebels forward Malik Dia (0) is fouled by Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Shawn Jones Jr. (5) as Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming (0) also defends in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12), Mississippi Rebels guard Eduardo Klafke (8), and Mississippi Rebels forward Augusto Cassia (88) go for the ball in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12) drives against Mississippi Rebels guard Eduardo Klafke (8) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
The Ole Miss band plays at the game against against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Ja’Borri McGhee (2) drives between Mississippi Rebels guard Eduardo Klafke (8) and Mississippi Rebels guard Zach Day (31) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts against against the Mississippi Rebels in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard looks into the stands during the game against against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Achor Achor (99) dunks against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Achor Achor (99) dunks against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Ole Miss students cheer before the game against Mississippi State in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12), Mississippi Rebels guard Eduardo Klafke (8), and Mississippi Rebels forward Augusto Cassia (88) go for the ball in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming (0) scores against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fourth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans watches against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Achor Achor (99) is defended by Mississippi Rebels guard Patton Pinkins (23) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard talks to Mississippi Rebels forward Malik Dia (0) during a timeout in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Sergej Macura (11) is guarded by Mississippi Rebels guard Travis Perry (11) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi Rebels guard AJ Storr (2) is guided by Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming (0) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi Rebels guard AJ Storr (2) is defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Achor Achor (99) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi Rebels guard AJ Storr (2) scores against Mississippi State in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts to a foul call against Ole Miss in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi Rebels forward Augusto Cassia (88) is guarded by Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming (0) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi Rebels guard Travis Perry (11) is defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Sergej Macura (11) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Ja’Borri McGhee (2) scores and is fouled by Mississippi Rebels forward Malik Dia (0) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State basketball guard for Bulldogs, coach Chris Jans
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12) passes the ball as Mississippi Rebels forward Corey Chest (1) falls on him in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Chris Beard, Ole Miss basketball coach in third season with Rebels
Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard watches against Mississippi State in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Ole Miss students cheer before the game against Mississippi State in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi Rebels forward Malik Dia (0) is fouled by Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Shawn Jones Jr. (5) as Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming (0) also defends in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12), Mississippi Rebels guard Eduardo Klafke (8), and Mississippi Rebels forward Augusto Cassia (88) go for the ball in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Josh Hubbard (12) drives against Mississippi Rebels guard Eduardo Klafke (8) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
The Ole Miss band plays at the game against against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Ja’Borri McGhee (2) drives between Mississippi Rebels guard Eduardo Klafke (8) and Mississippi Rebels guard Zach Day (31) in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Chris Jans, Mississippi State basketball coach in fourth season with Bulldogs
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Chris Jans reacts against against the Mississippi Rebels in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
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Ole Miss basketball vs Mississippi State, AJ Storr vs Josh Hubbard see our best photos
Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard looks into the stands during the game against against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a NCAA men’s college basketball game at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger)
"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.
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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."
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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 Shutchens@gannett.com 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
