Long Island University vs Mississippi State Prediction 12/16/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Mississippi State Bulldogs and the LIU Sharks will meet on Tuesday evening in a non‑conference matchup at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, Mississippi.

Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Mississippi State Bulldogs enter Tuesday night’s contest with a 5–5 win-loss overall record, including a 3–1 mark at home. The Bulldogs have compiled wins over North Alabama, Southeastern Louisiana, New Orleans, Georgia Tech, and Utah, while dropping games to Iowa State, Kansas State, New Mexico, SMU, and San Francisco. In the Mississippi State Bulldogs 82-74 victory over Utah two days ago, guard Jayden Epps tallied 20 points (8 of 15 shooting from the field), 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist illustrating his ability to lead the backcourt.  

The Mississippi State Bulldogs average 78.7 points per game on 44.8 percent shooting from the field and 32.3 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Bulldogs are allowing opponents 78.1 points per game.

Junior guard Josh Hubbard leads the Mississippi State Bulldogs averaging 20.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Senior guard Jayden Epps is averaging 16.3 points, 2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.9 steals per contest. Senior center Quincy Ballard anchors the paint averaging 6.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

LIU Sharks Betting Preview

The LIU Sharks enter Tuesday’s contest with a 6–4 record, including a 4–3 mark away from home. The Sharks have compiled wins over La Salle, Lehigh, Winthrop, and Missouri State, while dropping games to Illinois and others.

The LIU Sharks average 76 points per game on 48.6 percent shooting from the field and 38.1 percent shooting from three‑point range (36th in country) per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Sharks are allowing opponents 79.4 points per game which ranks an abysmal 263rd in the nation.

Senior guard Malachi Davis leads the LIU Sharks averaging 15.8 points, 3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 49.6 percent from the field. Senior guard Greg Gordon adds 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3 assists per contest. Senior guard Jamal Fuller averages 14.7 points, 5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

Why the Mississippi State Bulldogs will win

•            Quality guard play. Junior guard Josh Hubbard is averaging 20.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.

•            Experience. Multiple seniors anchor the rotation.

•            Interior presence. Senior center Quincy Ballard anchors the paint with scoring, rebounding and rim protection.

Why the LIU Sharks will win

•            Malachi Davis scoring. Davis leads the LIU Sharks in the scoring department averaging 15.8 points per game.

•            Efficient shooting. LIU shoots nearly 49 percent from the field.

•            Rebounding edge. Sheppard provides consistent rebounding on both ends.

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. LIU Sharks Prediction

This matchup features the Mississippi State Bulldogs high scoring backcourt against the LIU Sharks efficient shooting attack. Look for the Bulldogs to lean on Josh Hubbard’s scoring and Jayden Epps perimeter shooting to control game tempo and pace, while the LIU Sharks rely on Malachi Davis playmaking to stay competitive.

The LIU Sharks shooting efficiency certainly makes them dangerous, but Mississippi State’s overall team depth and home court advantage should prove decisive in this one. The Bulldogs ability to generate offense from multiple guards and control the boards with Quincy Ballard gives them the edge in a game where possessions will matter the most.

The key difference may come in defensive pressure. Mississippi State has the personnel to disrupt LIU’s rhythm, forcing turnovers and limiting clean looks from the perimeter. If Hubbard and Epps can convert those stops into transition buckets, the Bulldogs should create separation late and secure a comfortable win.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Mississippi State TBA