Overview
- Iowa State (2–0) and Mississippi State (1–0) play Monday in Sioux Falls in a nonconference matchup on ESPNU at 7 p.m. CT.
- T. J. Otzelberger has coached four games at the Pentagon from his South Dakota State tenure, and Iowa State won there in 2015, while Mississippi State makes its debut.
- Point guard Tamin Lipsey has opened with 60% shooting, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and one turnover across two games, plus five steals in each outing.
- Mississippi State showcased backcourt punch and depth in its opener as Josh Hubbard posted 27 points and eight assists and UAB transfer Ja’Borri McGhee added 14 off the bench.
- The programs meet for the first time since 2021, when Mississippi State won 95–56 at home, as this neutral-site game marks the Heritage Court’s 100th Division I contest.