Copyright Jackson Clarion-Ledger
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State basketball starting guard Jayden Epps didn't travel for the Nov. 10 game against No. 16 Iowa State, and coach Chris Jans addressed the situation in his Nov. 12 news conference. "We're hopeful that he'll be back sooner than later," Jans said. "That's all I have for an update on him right now." The Bulldogs (1-1) lost 96-80 against the Cyclones in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They committed 26 turnovers in the game, the program's most in Jans' four seasons. Jans didn't say when asked in a follow-up question whether Epps' absence was injury-related. Mississippi State plays Southeastern Louisiana (0-3) at Humphrey Coliseum on Nov. 15 (2 p.m., SEC Network+). Epps was one of MSU's high-profile transfers from Georgetown where he averaged 15.8 points in two seasons. However, he suffered a concussion in the Oct. 26 exhibition against Houston. Then, Epps struggled in the season opener against North Alabama, scoring five points in 16 minutes with no assists on 2-for-7 shooting. His first three shot attempts were blocked, and he only played five minutes in the second half. UAB transfer Ja'Borri McGhee started in Epps' place against Iowa State and scored six points in 25 minutes. MORE: Where Mississippi State football stands in latest bowl game projections for Week 12
