Hoops Preview: Mississippi State vs Arkansas State

Where to Watch: SEC Network - 6 PM CST

After more than three weeks away from The Hump, the Bulldogs return home looking to end their three game losing streak. Mississippi State's opponent, Arkansas St, is looking to end their own losing streak, which includes a 39-point blowout loss to Purdue. The Red Wolves' two wins on the season feature victories over a winless Central Arkansas team and NAIA team, Belhaven.

After a terrific start to the season, the Bulldog's field goal percentage has tanked below 40% in each of their three losses, and the team has failed to out rebound an opponent since the St. Louis victory. With the team's poor ability to shoot from behind the arc, opponents have been more aggressive defensively on the inside, making State depend on outside shots that have just not been falling for the team.

Even though the Oregon State game featured a shakeup to the starting five,with Craig Sword replacing Roquez Johnson, the team still struggled to find help from the bench, with the reserves contributing only 12 points in the losing effort. As the non-conference schedule comes to a close, the Bulldogs have a chance to start a new winning streak, but the starters are going to need some help from the bench to make it a reality.

Despite the fact that both teams are shooting around 45% on the season, this game has all the makings of a blowout. Arkansas State has not been a good basketball team this year and Mississippi State has played much better at home this season than on the road. The Bulldogs should have an opportunity to work out some of the kinks against the Red Wolves, and this team would love nothing more than to take out some of the frustration from the losing streak on an inferior opponent.

Eck's Pick: Mississippi State 78-60