Chris Jans shares how experience in close games helped Mississippi State beat Ole Miss

Mississippi State swept in-state rival Ole Miss in their 2023 season series under first-year head coach Chris Jans.

Defeating the Rebels 69-61 in overtime, Jans praised his team for being able to pull out the close win after failing to do so in a similar situation last week against Kentucky. With the win, Jans says his team has gained valuable experience when it comes to closing out games.

“When we went out for overtime, it was like we survived [regulation],” Jans said postgame. “We were playing from behind the last few minutes, but we were able to get enough stops strung together, and make enough shots to have a chance to go to overtime. … You could just feel the energy in the huddle, not from me, but from [the players].

“Certainly, we are in a better place than we were [last month], but like anything, you can’t teach experience. And now, they’ve got more experience in these close games and they’re finding ways.”

Jans made sure to credit Eric Reed‘s defensive prowess toward the end of regulation to help will his team to overtime. Reed played 22 minutes and scored two points and pulled down one rebound aginst the Rebels — but Jans had him on the court to get stops, and he stepped up when his number was called.

The win boosted the Bulldogs back into Joe Lunardi’s ‘Last Four In’ line when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. Sitting at No. 43 in the NET rankings, wins Tuesday night against Missouri (No. 50 in NET) and Saturday No. 25 Texas A&M will erase Mississippi State from bubble watch and will be firmly inside the field of 68.

Mississippi State’s 7-9 collective record against Quad 1 and Quad 2 teams can be blamed for its line on the bubble, not to mention a 4-4 record in true road games. The Bulldogs are 11-0 against teams in Quads 3 and 4, but that won’t do anything to sway the committee on Selection Sunday.