Nicholls State Colonels at Mississippi State Bulldogs 12/17/2022
Mississippi State guard Eric Reed Jr. (11) reaches for the ball against Nicholls State guard Pierce Spencer (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State guard Eric Reed Jr. (11) reaches for the ball against Nicholls State guard Pierce Spencer (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 04:18 PM EST
Mississippi State guard Cameron Matthews (4) drives up court against Nicholls State forward Marek Nelson (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State guard Cameron Matthews (4) drives up court against Nicholls State forward Marek Nelson (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 04:19 PM EST
Mississippi State guard Dashawn Davis (10) looks for an open teammate during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nicholls State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State guard Dashawn Davis (10) looks for an open teammate during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nicholls State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 04:18 PM EST
Nicholls State head coach Austin Claunch gestures to his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nicholls State head coach Austin Claunch gestures to his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 04:19 PM EST
Nicholls State forward Marek Nelson (0) reaches for a blocked ball as Mississippi State guard Eric Reed Jr., right, tries to regain possession during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nicholls State forward Marek Nelson (0) reaches for a blocked ball as Mississippi State guard Eric Reed Jr., right, tries to regain possession during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 04:19 PM EST
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nicholls State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nicholls State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 04:19 PM EST
Nicholls State forward Manny Littles (22) tries to intercept a pass from Mississippi State guard Dashawn Davis (10) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nicholls State forward Manny Littles (22) tries to intercept a pass from Mississippi State guard Dashawn Davis (10) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 05:38 PM EST
Mississippi State guard Dashawn Davis (10) attempts to dribble past a Nicholls State player during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State guard Dashawn Davis (10) attempts to dribble past a Nicholls State player during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 05:39 PM EST
Mississippi State forward Tyler Stevenson (14) calls out for a teammate to pass to while being defended by a Nicholls State player during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State forward Tyler Stevenson (14) calls out for a teammate to pass to while being defended by a Nicholls State player during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 05:43 PM EST
Nicholls State forward Marek Nelson (0) has his shot blocked as he has contact from Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy (12), while making contact with forward Will McNair Jr. (13) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nicholls State forward Marek Nelson (0) has his shot blocked as he has contact from Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy (12), while making contact with forward Will McNair Jr. (13) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 05:46 PM EST
Nicholls State guard Latrell Jones (11) blocks a shot by Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy (12) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nicholls State guard Latrell Jones (11) blocks a shot by Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy (12) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 05:49 PM EST
Mississippi State forward D.J. Jeffries (0) reaches past the back of Nicholls State guard Latrell Jones (11) to knock away a shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State forward D.J. Jeffries (0) reaches past the back of Nicholls State guard Latrell Jones (11) to knock away a shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 05:47 PM EST
Mississippi State cheerleaders perform a backward flip each time one of their players makes a free throw during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nicholls State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State cheerleaders perform a backward flip each time one of their players makes a free throw during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nicholls State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 05:59 PM EST
Mississippi State forward D.J. Jeffries (0) tries to pass out of the defense from Nicholls State forward Manny Littles (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State forward D.J. Jeffries (0) tries to pass out of the defense from Nicholls State forward Manny Littles (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:00 PM EST
Mississippi State forward Tolu Smith (1) attempts a layup against Nicholls State during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State forward Tolu Smith (1) attempts a layup against Nicholls State during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:00 PM EST
Nicholls State guard Pierce Spencer (5) pushes back on Mississippi State forward Tolu Smith (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nicholls State guard Pierce Spencer (5) pushes back on Mississippi State forward Tolu Smith (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:00 PM EST
Nicholls State guard Pierce Spencer (5) guards Mississippi State guard Cameron Matthews (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nicholls State guard Pierce Spencer (5) guards Mississippi State guard Cameron Matthews (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:00 PM EST
Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy (12) attempts to block a shot by Nicholls State guard Micah Thomas (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State forward KeShawn Murphy (12) attempts to block a shot by Nicholls State guard Micah Thomas (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:06 PM EST
Mississippi State fans wear banana outfits while adorned with Santa hats as they encourage their team's free-throw attempt during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State fans wear banana outfits while adorned with Santa hats as they encourage their team's free-throw attempt during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:24 PM EST
Nicholls State guard Latrell Jones (11) reacts to a missed 3-point basket attempt that would have given his team a one-point win over Mississippi State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nicholls State guard Latrell Jones (11) reacts to a missed 3-point basket attempt that would have given his team a one-point win over Mississippi State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:24 PM EST
Nicholls State guard Latrell Jones (11) consoles teammate Pierce Spencer (5) after his last second 3-point basket attempt bounced off the backboard in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nicholls State guard Latrell Jones (11) consoles teammate Pierce Spencer (5) after his last second 3-point basket attempt bounced off the backboard in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:24 PM EST
Mississippi State forward Tolu Smith (1) and Nicholls State forward Marek Nelson (0) fight for a rebound during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State forward Tolu Smith (1) and Nicholls State forward Marek Nelson (0) fight for a rebound during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:24 PM EST
Nicholls State guard Pierce Spencer (5) attempts a 3-point shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Nicholls State guard Pierce Spencer (5) attempts a 3-point shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:24 PM EST
Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nicholls State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Nicholls State, in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Mississippi State won 68-66. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Dec. 17, 2022 06:24 PM EST