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Mississippi State barely misses game-winning shot vs. Arkansas after controversial call

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•03/08/25•

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Arkansas vs. Mississippi State
© Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

In the second half of Saturday’s game, Arkansas sprinted out to a 16-point lead over Mississippi State. But the Bulldogs clawed back – and the two teams sat tied as time ticked away.

Mississippi State came all the way back to tie things up at 89-89 with 1:23 to go, setting the table for a thrilling finish. DJ Wagner hit a three to put Arkansas ahead 92-89, and Josh Hubbard answered on the other side with one of his own.

The Razorbacks got the ball back, and after a stoppage to fix the shot clock, went for one final possession. Jonas Aidoo went up for a shot, but was fouled on a controversial call and went to the free throw line. He hit one of his two shots, and Mississippi State went back down the court without any timeouts.

Billy Richmond blocked the Bulldogs’ first shot attempt, but RJ Melendez got the rebound for one final shot. It bounced off the rim, meaning Arkansas held on for the nail-biting 93-92 victory.

With 11:41 to go in Saturday’s game, Arkansas took its largest lead at 70-54. From there, Mississippi State was able to turn the game on its head and put together a surge of its own. The Bulldogs outscored the Razorbacks 35-19 over the next 10:18 to tie the game and make things really interesting down the stretch.

However, the deficit proved to be too much to overcome. Arkansas secured its eighth conference win of the season – and, in addition, is likely looking at an NCAA Tournament appearance. Mississippi State was the No. 25-ranked team in the latest AP Top 25, but is also well on its way to the big dance.

Wagner led the charge for Arkansas en route to the crucial victory. He had a team-high 24 points, including some huge shots down the stretch to try and create separation. Aidoo wasn’t far behind him with 21 points to go with 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.

On the Mississippi State side, Claudell Harris led the team with 18 points while Hubbard added 17. As a group, the Bulldogs went 19-for-37 in the second half, taking 11 more shots than Arkansas. But the Razorbacks went 16-for-26 out of the break as the offense found a new gear.

Now, both teams will get ready for the SEC tournament, which gets underway next week at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. That’s the last remaining hurdle before Selection Sunday March 16.