NORTHWESTERN ST DEMONS @ MISSISSIPPI ST BULLDOGS

Bulldogs showed they can separate late

Mississippi State closed its opener with a 22-6 first-half run after the game was tied, and Josh Hubbard led the way with 25 points and nine assists.

Newcomers drove Northwestern State’s opener

Kai Simpson (17), Nathan Ojukwu (13) and Isaiah Vick (12) led Northwestern State’s 65-point opener, all of which came from players who were not in a Demons uniform last season.

Izzy Miles remains an availability question

Northwestern State’s Nov. 1 preview said Miles had missed the exhibition and had no return timetable, though he was improving; the available injury listing reports no injuries for either team.

Mississippi State owns the historical series

Mississippi State leads the all-time series 7-1, with the latest listed meeting a 65-59 Bulldogs win in 2016.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Mississippi State spread lean

Mississippi State -20.5 (-118) is a lean with home court favoring the Bulldogs; pass if the line climbs.

Skip the moneyline at the listed price

At around -7000, Mississippi State’s moneyline offers little return; the spread is more practical if backing the home side.

Pass on the full-game total

Pass on 151.5 while early-season scoring and pace remain difficult to price.