Mississippi State forward Cameron Matthews (4) pulls down an offensive rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — KeShawn Murphy scored a season-high 20 points and Mississippi State led from start to finish in thumping No. 18 Pittsburgh 90-57 in the SEC/ACC Challenge. The Bulldogs opened a 35-point advantage in the second half and were never threatened. Michael Nwoko had his first double-double of the season with a career-high 18 points and 11 rebounds. Josh Hubbard scored 12. Jaland Lowe led Pittsburgh with 19 points and Brandin Cummings added 12 for the Panthers, who shot 31% and were outrebounded 49-27.