WATCH: Players Postgame Presser - LSU
March 01, 2025 | Men's Basketball
2024-25 Mississippi State Men's Basketball Postgame Quotes
No. 24 Mississippi State vs. LSU – March 1, 2025
Guards Josh Hubbard and Riley Kugel
Q: Hubb, you came out firing there in the second half. You had 20 of your 30 points in the second half. What was the message from Coach Jans at halftime, and how well did you feel like you executed it?
JH: "We saw a few clips in the film room of where we were making most of our mistakes from. We adjusted to them. We just executed and played Bulldog basketball – getting stops [on defense] and pushing it [on offense]."
Q: Josh, you had 30 points and only made two three-pointers. How have you been working on expanding your game offensively?
JH: "Just being a complete player. That's what I worked on in the offseason – getting downhill, being aggressive and putting some pressure on the defense."
Q: How big was it to get this win after a couple tough performances the past few weeks?
RK: "It was a big one. Like we said coming in, every team you're playing in the SEC, it's going to be a dogfight. So, just try to get a win any way you can. In this type of league, any win is a good one."
Q: In the first half, you didn't make any three's. You end up hitting a three early in the second half. How did you feel at that moment to just get the snowball rolling after that?
JH: "It felt great, I had teammates and staff tell me to keep shooting after being a little frustrated in the first half after not seeing a few go in especially when I was open. But my teammates just keep me positive. They told me to keep shooting."
Q: Riley, in the second half, you had a play where you backed your man in from the 3-point line all the way into the paint. Is that something you feel like you can add to your game in this late part of the season?
RK: "Yeah, definitely. I like playing in the post, especially when it's a small defender on me like that. It just opens scoring opportunities for me and my teammates. So, it's fun to play in the post."
Q: Riley, the team missed its first seven three-pointers. Did you feel the pressure alleviate after you made a few late in the first half?
RK: "I didn't really feel any pressure at all. It was just a good, in rhythm shot for me. It felt good getting us back in a scoring rhythm."
Q: Josh, you had those two good games against Ole Miss and Texas A&M. You come back with a win today after to losses. How do you characterize where you and the team are right now?
JH: "We just couldn't let the last game or the game before that affect this game. We had to move on because like you said those two setbacks, we could have gotten those wins. So, we just didn't let that affect us. From now on, we just can't let this win affect the next game. We got to stay with it."
Q: We've seen you do this a few times the last couple of months where you blew past your defender and got an easy layup. Is that something you've been trying to add to your game?
JH: "The staff encourages me to get my speed into the game, especially in transition when we get a rebound. I'm the outlet. So, pushing the ball and putting pressure on the defense. Even if I don't get to drive, somebody is going to be open especially if I attract so much attention. Just try to create for others."
Q: Talk about your teammate Shawn Jones Jr., and he just seems like he always comes up with a big play when you need it. Talk about what he contributes to the team.
RK: "Shawn is going to be Shawn. He's a dawg. So, he's going to make the little plays that you need. That's not going to really make a huge impact on the fans, but it's a winning play. So, it's just like Shawn. Whenever he makes a play, we kind of expect it. But we know it's coming though, because it's Shawn."
