No. 18 Alabama stopped its losing streak with a 97-82 win over Mississippi State on Tuesday night.
Tuesday’s game was a must-win for the Crimson Tide as they were in danger of losing a third straight game in conference. Instead, the injury-plagued Crimson Tide battled back with 61 points in the second half and the win, improving their record to 12-5 overall and 2-2 in the SEC.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
- Short Handed
Injuries have been a big issue for Alabama all year long. Tuesday, the Crimson Tide were limited to just eight scholarship players available. Forwards Taylor Bol Bowen and Keitenn Bristow were both ruled out for Tuesday’s contest, as well as guard Latrell Wrightsell, who missed Saturday’s game against Texas.
- Slow Start
Alabama got off to a rough start and looked like it was headed towards a third straight SEC loss. The Crimson Tide got down by as many as 14 points with eight minutes left in the first half. Alabama slowly chipped at the lead with a 19-5 run to end the half and take a 36-34 lead after the first 20 minutes.
- Battle of the Backcourts
Tuesday night's matchup showcased the SEC’s two highest scoring duos with Alabama’s Aden Holloway and Labaron Philon averaging 39.9 points per game and Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard and Jayden Epps, who average 38.6 per game. The Crimson Tide duo won the battle, outscoring the Bulldogs’ duo 47-36, thanks to a career-high 32 points from Philon.
- Monster Game for Sherrell
For Alabama to have success this season, it starts with Aiden Sherrell in the paint. Sherrell is basically the Crimson Tide’s only player who has the height and bulk to provide protection at the rim. Sherrell scored from everywhere en route to a career high 22 points. The stretch center drained two three-pointers and went 10-11 from the free throw line. On the defensive end, Sherrell added five rebounds and two blocks.
Alabama will travel to Oklahoma on Saturday at 12 p.m. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.
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