WATCH: RJ Melendez explains how slumping Mississippi State can make March Madness run
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The NCAA tournament is the only thing left for Mississippi State basketball now. Senior forward RJ Melendez is expecting better results.
The Bulldogs lost 85-73 to Missouri on Thursday in the second round of the SEC tournament. Mississippi State (21-12) was the No. 10 seed and the Tigers (22-10) were the No. 7.
Mississippi State has lost five of its past seven games. The only two wins in that stretch came against LSU (14-18), which finished the season with just three SEC wins. The Bulldogs have not beaten a team projected to make the NCAA tournament since Feb. 18.
Despite the slump, Melendez said the Bulldogs are positioned to get hot in the NCAA tournament.
Why RJ Melendez has faith in slumping Mississippi State Bulldogs to go on NCAA tournament run
"I've never lost trust in the team," Melendez said. "I never will. I know my guys have my back. I have their backs. We're always going to be in a dogfight, so I trust them and I know we can go on a run."
The Bulldogs remain well positioned to earn a spot in the NCAA tournament.
"It's a new season now," Melendez said. "It's March. We've got to focus on what's next. Come ready to play."
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State's RJ Melendez anticipates March Madness turnaround
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