Mississippi State guard Shawn Jones Jr. (5) and McNeese State guard Brandon Murray (23) battle for the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Tupelo, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Mississippi State won 66-63. (AP Photo/Bruce Newman)

McNeese State guard Brandon Murray (23) is defended by Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard (12) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Tupelo, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Mississippi State won 66-63. (AP Photo/Bruce Newman)

Mississippi State forward RJ Melendez (22) shoots against McNeese State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Tupelo, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Mississippi State won 66-63. (AP Photo/Bruce Newman)

Mississippi State forward RJ Melendez (22) brings the ball up court as McNeese State guard Javohn Garcia (6) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Tupelo, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruce Newman)

McNeese State guard Omar Cooper (1) dribbles past Mississippi State forward Cameron Matthews (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Tupelo, Miss., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Mississippi State won 66-63. (AP Photo/Bruce Newman)