GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging Florida team riding a nine-game winning streak will host a struggling Mississippi State squad when the Southeastern Conference rivals meet Tuesday night at the O’Connell Center. The No. 6-ranked Gators (23-6, 13-3 SEC) have ascended to the top of the conference standings behind a dominant and efficient offense, averaging 92.4 points during their current run. Their most recent outing was a 111-77 demolition of Arkansas, showcasing their firepower. Forward Thomas Haugh has been a central figure in Florida’s success. The versatile 6-foot-9 junior is coming off a 22-point performance against the Razorbacks and has scored 20 or more points in three of his last six games, providing a consistent scoring threat alongside guards Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland. Mississippi State (11-16, 5-10) enters on a three-game skid, including a 64-88 home loss to Missouri on Saturday. The Bulldogs’ season has been defined by inconsistency, particularly on the road where they are 3-8. The Bulldogs’ primary hope rests with dynamic guard Josh Hubbard. The sophomore is capable of explosive performances, evidenced by a 46-point outburst in a win over Auburn on Feb. 18 and a 32-point, 6-assist game at Mississippi. However, his production has dipped during the losing streak, averaging just over 13 points in the last three contests. Containing Hubbard will be a key defensive focus for Florida. Florida won the first meeting this season, 86-67, in Starkville on Jan. 7. In that game, the Gators forced 18 Bulldog turnovers and held Hubbard to 14 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The Gators will look to maintain their momentum before a pivotal road test at Kentucky on Saturday. Mississippi State seeks a season-altering upset to build momentum before hosting Georgia in its regular-season finale.