Alabama Set for Rematch with Mississippi State

The Mississippi State Bulldogs (14-7) are on the road to face the 24th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (15-6) Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

This is the second time the two teams will meet this season. Alabama has won the past five matchups, including a 82-74 road win Jan. 13.

Bulldogs Preview

The Bulldogs fell to in-state rivals Ole Miss 86-82 in Oxford Tuesday night. The team committed six second half turnovers, giving Ole Miss 18 points off of turnovers alone.

Freshman guard Josh Hubbard led Mississippi with 21 points and seven assists. Senior forward Cameron Matthews scored 16 points, brought down 12 rebounds and had five assists.

Offensively, the Bulldogs are shooting 45% from the field and 31.5% from 3-point range. The team has been solid defensively, holding opponents to 40.6% shooting from the field and 28.5% shooting from beyond the arc.

They enter Saturday’s game 3-5 in SEC play and 0-5 on the road. They’re currently in seventh place in the SEC and have yet to win a true road game this season. However, the Bulldogs are one of three SEC teams (Kentucky and South Carolina) with two wins over AP Top 10 opponents this season.

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Crimson’s Streak

Alabama took over the top spot in the SEC with a road win against Georgia, Wednesday. They trailed Georgia by 16 points in the first half before putting up 58 points in the second half to earn a win. The Crimson Tide finished with 13 steals and 19 points off of Georgia’s 19 turnovers.

Senior Mark Sears was a key factor for Alabama, leading his team with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Sears ranks No. 10 in the National Player of the Year standings, per KenPom. Senior forward Grant Nelson followed with 20 points on 8-11 shooting from the field.

Alabama leads the nation in offensive efficiency, shooting 48.8% from the field and 38.8% from 3. Defensively, they’re allowing opponents to shoot 42.8% from the field and 32% from 3.

Heading into Saturday’s game, the Crimson Tide is 7-1 in the SEC and 10-1 at home this season. They’re riding a six-game win streak at home and look to continue their three-game win streak.

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Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.