Mississippi State vs. Baylor – March 21, 2025
NCAA Tournament – Round of 64
Mississippi State Head Coach Chris Jans
Opening Statement
CJ: “I’m obviously disappointed with the outcome. We found ourselves in a challenging position during the second half. I expected our players to keep fighting, and they did, managing to create a scenario where we could have made it a close game. Unfortunately, the shot or the call just didn’t favor us in the end.”
Q: Coach, while down three points aiming to tie, I assume the plan was to get a three-pointer for Josh given his recent play. Can you share your thoughts on that play and why it didn’t succeed?
CJ: “Yes, the play had several options. It was newly introduced, specifically intended for situations like this where we had enough time for one good attempt, followed by potentially a second. It involved two ball screens aimed at creating space for Josh to get a heel-toe three. While I thought we would get a shot, the defense had clearly indicated early on they wouldn’t foul. Unfortunately, the attempt didn’t go in.”
Q: Cameron [Matthews] mentioned that the opponent outperformed your team in rebounding, suggesting they were more determined. Were you surprised by their success in offensive rebounds?
CJ: “Baylor is indeed a strong offensive rebounding team, as evidenced by their stats and film. Disappointed? Yes, because we had emphasized the importance of rebounding leading into this game. While our initial defense was commendable, we needed to secure the rebound to finish the possession. Baylor deserves credit for their effort in battling for those rebounds, which we failed to counter sufficiently.”
Q: You mentioned that the goal for the program extends beyond just making the NCAA Tournament to achieving victories within it. How frustrating is it to find yourself in this situation again?
CJ: “It is a valid observation. Nonetheless, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament remains a goal each year, and there are many teams that would envy our achievements over the last few seasons. We’ve set higher goals for this season and aimed to leverage our experience and success to go further. Although we can reassess our perspective later, it’s painful right now since we didn’t reach the aspirations we had for this season.”
Q: Coach, Cameron [Matthews] said they outperformed you in toughness, but it appeared they were also adept at deflecting passes. Was that a unique strength they showed today?
CJ: “Baylor is certainly effective at rebounding. Coach Drew and his players had a terrific season, and while I didn’t observe their exact strategies leading up to the match, their defense was indeed a reason for the rebounding differential we faced. However, we had opportunities, and the ball didn’t bounce our way in key moments.”
Guard Josh Hubbard and Forward Cameron Matthews
Q: Cam, despite your team’s advantage inside, Baylor managed many offensive rebounds and second chances. What attributed to their success?
CM: “Honestly, they didn’t do anything extraordinary. It was just that they played with more intensity than we did tonight.”
Q: Josh, during the final sequence when Claudell attempted a three, was that play designed for you? What did you observe during that moment?
JH: “The play included three options; Claudell had an open shot, and I was working off a staggered screen. It was a reaction to whatever the defense presented us.”
Q: Reflecting on your time at Mississippi State, there’s been evident growth in the program during your tenure with consecutive NCAA appearances. How do you envision its future as you leave?
CM: “The program will continue to improve. Coach Jans is doing an outstanding job, and with the right recruits and hard work, we hope to return next year and win.”
