Imagine trailing by 17 points, only to roar back and secure a thrilling victory in the final minutes. That's exactly what Mississippi State did in their 82-74 comeback win over Utah on December 13, 2025, a game that will go down as one of the most dramatic of the season. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this a testament to the Bulldogs' resilience, or a glaring example of Utah's inability to close out a game? Let's dive into the details.
In a nail-biting contest held in Salt Lake City, Ja’Borri McGhee stole the show with a career-best 29 points, while Jayden Epps chipped in 20 points, powering Mississippi State to an improbable victory. This marked the Bulldogs' largest comeback since Coach Chris Jans took the helm before the 2022-23 season, and it was nothing short of spectacular. McGhee, a UAB transfer, was on fire, shooting 11-of-16 from the field and an impressive 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Josh Hubbard added 13 points, rounding out a balanced scoring effort for the Bulldogs (5-5).
The turning point came late in the game when McGhee drained a step-back 3-pointer and followed it with a clutch layup, giving Mississippi State a 74-70 lead with just 2 1/2 minutes left. Utah's Terrence Brown kept it close with two free throws, but Hubbard's driving floater and Shawn Jones Jr.'s thunderous two-handed dunk sealed the deal, making it 78-72 with 59 seconds remaining. And this is the part most people miss: Despite Don McHenry's game-high 29 points, including five 3-pointers, and Brown's 22 points, Utah (7-4) couldn't hold onto their early lead.
Utah had dominated early, with McHenry scoring all of the team's points in an 11-3 run that saw the Utes lead by as many as 17 late in the first half. They extended their lead to 52-37 early in the second half after Brown's steal and fast-break dunk. However, Mississippi State responded with a staggering 23-4 run, taking their first lead since the opening minutes with 9:24 left. This raises the question: Did Utah underestimate the Bulldogs, or was Mississippi State simply destined for greatness that night?
The game wasn't without its scares, though. Mississippi State freshman Jamarion Davis-Fleming left the court in the closing seconds after a collision with Utah's Seydou Traore, adding a tense moment to an already emotional game.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State will host Long Island University on Tuesday, while Utah will aim to bounce back against Eastern Washington at home next Saturday. Here's a thought-provoking question for you: Is Mississippi State a team to watch this season, or was this comeback just a fluke? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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