Chris Jans asking Dogs to play with more desperation in regular season finale at Arkansas
Chris Jans Urges Dogs to Play with More Desperation in Regular Season Finale at Arkansas
As Mississippi State’s regular season nears its end, head coach Chris Jans is calling for a sense of urgency and desperation from his players in their upcoming showdown at Arkansas. With postseason aspirations hanging in the balance, Jans is urging his team to give everything they’ve got as they enter this crucial game with an eye on improving their NCAA tournament chances.
The Bulldogs (21-9, 8-9 SEC) have had a season marked by ups and downs, but they are entering the final stretch with a need to make a statement. Their chances at securing a spot in the NCAA tournament largely hinge on finishing strong, and the game against Arkansas (19-11, 8-9 SEC) is vital for both teams. With both teams sitting on the bubble, it’s a must-win scenario that has added importance.
Jans, in his first year as head coach at Mississippi State, has done an admirable job of getting his squad to this point, but he knows the team can’t afford to let up now. He has stressed to his players the importance of playing with a sense of desperation, a mentality that he believes will be key in their pursuit of victory.
“At this point in the season, every game is critical, but this one in particular is a chance for us to solidify our position and give ourselves the best shot at the postseason,” Jans said. “We’ve talked about the need to play with more desperation. We need to approach this game as though it’s our last chance. Every possession matters. We can’t afford to have any lapses.”
Mississippi State’s performance in recent weeks has been inconsistent, which is why Jans is pushing for an extra edge from his team in the regular-season finale. Their defense, which has been one of the best in the SEC, has kept them in games, but the offense has struggled at times, often failing to capitalize on key moments. Jans has emphasized that it’s not just about playing harder but playing smarter—executing the game plan and making the right decisions at critical junctures.
Arkansas presents a formidable challenge, with talented players like Anthony Black and Ricky Council IV leading the way for the Razorbacks. The matchup is expected to be intense, as both teams are looking to boost their chances for a strong postseason run. Mississippi State will need to control the tempo, stay disciplined on both ends of the floor, and limit turnovers to have a chance at securing a victory.
For Jans, the goal is to create a mentality of relentless effort that will carry through not just the Arkansas game but also into the SEC Tournament. The Bulldogs will need to show they can compete at the highest level, and that starts with demonstrating the kind of urgency that’s required in games like this.
“Our guys are ready for the challenge,” Jans said. “We know what’s at stake, and we have to go out and prove we belong. The way we play on Saturday will have a big impact on our future. We have to show that we can handle the pressure and step up when it matters most.”
With the stakes higher than ever, Mississippi State enters its regular season finale with everything to gain. If they can channel the desperation and energy that Jans is asking for, the Bulldogs might just make the most of their final opportunity before the postseason begins.
