STARKVILLE — Mississippi State basketball’s postseason begins this week.
The Bulldogs (20-11) are the No. 10 seed in the SEC tournament and will play No. 15 LSU (14-17) in the first round on Wednesday (6 p.m. CT, SEC Network). All games are played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
MSU has won at least one game in seven straight SEC tournaments, and last season reached the semifinals.
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Here’s what to know about the matchup.
Mississippi State beat LSU two weeks ago
LSU and Mississippi State played each other once in the regular season, which MSU won 81-69 in Starkville on March 1. Josh Hubbard, who won the Howell Trophy for the second consecutive season as the best men’s college basketball player in the state of Mississippi, scored 30 points.
LSU is in the midst of a five-game losing streak (to Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky and Texas A&M, along with the Bulldogs). Its three conference wins are against South Carolina, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Slowing down former Bulldogs player Cam Carter was key last time
LSU senior guard Cam Carter played with a vengeance against Mississippi State. It was his first game back at MSU after he transferred to Kansas State in 2022, then LSU in 2024. He scored 18 points in the first half, with four 3-pointers.
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But in the second half, he had just five points as the Bulldogs turned a two-point halftime deficit into a rout.
Carter is LSU’s leading scorer with 16.5 points per game.
Will Mississippi State’s defense travel?
The Bulldogs have not played great defense in their last three games away from Humphrey Coliseum, averaging 99 points allowed in those three games. Oklahoma and Arkansas both scored 93 points and Alabama scored 111 points.
Those three teams combined to shoot 42 of 92 from 3-point range (45.7%).
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“At the end of the day, it’s my responsibility,” Jans said. “lt’s my job to figure it out, if you will. And equally important is to get them to play with the type of energy and motor that’s required to play the way we want to play, and to play this particular defense. It hasn’t been good enough.
“We can point fingers and talk about a lot of different factors on why, but at the end of the day, it’s a bottom-line deal. I am trying my best to shore up as much as I can in a short time period before we play in Nashville, and then hopefully when we play in the NCAA tournament, so we can be better on the court.”
LSU went just 9-for-36 from 3 against MSU and shoots the second-lowest percentage in the SEC (30.9%). The Tigers haven’t reached 70 points during their five-game losing streak.
Mississippi State vs LSU odds
BetMGM has not yet posted betting lines for this game.
Mississippi State vs LSU injury updates
Mississippi State guard Kanye Clary is out for the season with a lower-leg injury.
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How to watch Mississippi State vs LSU: Time, TV channel, live stream
Mississippi State vs LSU will air on SEC Network. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT. Streaming is available via Fubo, which offers a free trial.
MORE: Mississippi State women’s basketball practice squad player violates NCAA sports gambling rules
Mississippi State vs LSU predictions, picks
Mississippi State 78, LSU 71: Neither team is playing well entering the postseason, including the Bulldogs, who lost four of their past five games. They still should win as long as the defense holds up and they get some secondary scoring.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
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Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 20, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
10-14-23-24-35
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Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 1-8-6, FB: 5
Evening: 8-1-1, FB: 6
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 5-6-4-0, FB: 5
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Evening: 1-9-1-7, FB: 6
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 15
Evening: 12
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
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Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
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Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
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When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
The Mississippi Governor’s Mansion’s 2025 Christmas decorations celebrate Mississippi’s K-12 students and educators with the theme, “A Season of Success.”
“We chose this theme to highlight our state’s historic and nation-leading educational gains that are the envy of America,” a note from the family of Gov. Tate Reeves in a pamphlet explaining the holiday decorations says.
Here is a collection of photos showcasing many of the decorations throughout the mansion.
Two gold nutcrackers stand guard at the entrance to the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA Christmas tree is decorated with the pages of books to represent the importance of literacy in the foyer of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressPages of books adorn a Christmas tree in the foyer of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PresThe sounds of holiday tunes fill the room as a pianist plays a baby grand piano near a staircase in the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA Christmas tree features a Santa theme in Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA garland on a doorway at the entrance to the Gold Parlor displays ornaments made by students from schools across the state at the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressStockings hang on the chimney in the Gold Parlor at the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA Christmas tree stands in the Gold Parlor of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025.. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressThe Rose Parlors feature the only live Christmas tree in the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., seen here on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressThe Rose Parlors feature the only live Christmas tree in the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., seen here on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressGarlands featuring magnolias and bookcases decorate the main staircase of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA gingerbread house is seen on the second-floor landing of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressNutcrackers stand on a stable on the second-floor landing of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA gingerbread house, cupcakes, a train made of sweets and a Santa Claus doll stand on a table on the second-floor landing of the governor’s mansion. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA Christmas tree on the second-floor landing celebrates Mississippi’s musical heritage, surrounded by art pieces made by students at Choctaw Central Middle School, Neshoba Central art classes and the Winston Academy Elementary art class at the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. A vintage band uniform stands nearby. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressArtwork made by students displays Mississippi’s diversity, seen here at the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressThe Green Bedroom features decorations celebrating Mississippi’s colleges and universities, seen here at the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressThe Green Bedroom features decorations celebrating Mississippi’s colleges and universities, seen here at the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA Christmas tree in the Green Bedroom celebrates Mississippi’s colleges and universities, seen here at the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressNutcrackers stand on a mantle in the Cream Bedroom, decorated to celebrate Mississippi’s status leading the nation in 4th-grade math gains and achieving a ranking of No. 16 in the nation in education, seen here in the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA Christmas tree in the Cream Bedroom features poinsettias and cards with mathematical equations in the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressLiterary elements in the Gold Bedroom’s Christmas decorations are a tribute to Mississippi’s historic reading gains, seen here Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressBooks and candles adorn a table in the Gold Bedroom of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressBooks by celebrated Mississippi author William Faulkner sit on a table in the Gold Bedroom of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA Christmas tree is decorated with open books in the Gold Bedroom of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressThe Pumpkin Bedroom’s Christmas decorations celebrate Mississippi’s young learners, seen here in the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA glass of milk sits atop a copy of “The Night Before Christmas” on a bed in the Pumpkin Bedroom in the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressA nutcracker stands next to pencils and crayons on a bedside table in the Pumpkin Bedroom of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free PressTrees and Christmas lights are visible from the windows of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025.. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
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Award-winning News Editor Ashton Pittman, a native of the South Mississippi Pine Belt, studied journalism and political science at the University of Southern Mississippi. Previously the state reporter at the Jackson Free Press, he drove national headlines and conversations with award-winning reporting about segregation academies. He has won numerous awards, including Outstanding New Journalist in the South, for his work covering immigration raids, abortion battles and even former Gov. Phil Bryant’s unusual work with “The Bad Boys of Brexit” at the Jackson Free Press. In 2021, as a Mississippi Free Press reporter, he was named the Diamond Journalist of the Year for seven southern U.S. states in the Society of Professional Journalists Diamond Awards. A trained photojournalist, Ashton lives in South Mississippi with his husband, William, and their two pit bulls, Dorothy and Dru.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 19, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
06-11-22-30-32
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Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
Midday: 1-3-7, FB: 8
Evening: 1-0-0, FB: 9
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
Midday: 3-6-7-5, FB: 8
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Evening: 4-2-1-2, FB: 9
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
Midday: 10
Evening: 04
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Advertisement
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Advertisement
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Advertisement
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
Advertisement
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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A Christmas tree is decorated with the pages of books to represent the importance of literacy in the foyer of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in Jackson, Miss., on Dec. 4, 2025. Photo by Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
