Preview: Mississippi State, Auburn Meet in SEC Tournament

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The opening round of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament features a rematch from just three weeks ago as the seed Mississippi State Bulldogs face the seed Auburn Tigers on Wednesday.

The game tips off at approximately 8:30 p.m. CDT at Bridgestone Arena.

Mississippi State (11-18) enters the postseason on a five-game losing skid, most recently falling 102-96 to Georgia on Saturday. Auburn (16-15) has lost three of its last four, including a 96-84 defeat at Alabama on Saturday.

The Bulldogs won the regular-season meeting 91-85 in Starkville on Feb. 18, a game defined by a spectacular scoring duel. Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard poured in 46 points, while Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford answered with 21.

Hubbard remains the focal point for Mississippi State. The guard is averaging 27.1 points over his last eight games, including a 42-point effort in the loss to Georgia. His scoring burst is essential for a Bulldogs team that has struggled defensively, allowing 90 or more points in four of their last five losses.

Auburn will counter with Pettiford, a dynamic guard who has been inconsistent but explosive. He scored 27 points in a win over LSU on March 3 but was held to four points in a loss to Oklahoma on Feb. 24. In the first meeting, the Tigers could not overcome Hubbard’s outburst or Mississippi State’s 50% shooting from the field.

The winner of Wednesday’s game will advance to face the seed in the second round on Thursday. Both teams are looking to salvage disappointing seasons with an unexpected run in Nashville. For Mississippi State, it hinges on Hubbard’s hot hand continuing. For Auburn, it requires containing him and finding more consistent production beyond Pettiford.

The Bulldogs hold the psychological edge from the recent head-to-head victory, but the neutral court and elimination pressure present a new challenge for two teams seeking a fresh start.