Tide guts one out against State 81-73...

   

      It was going to be a war.  Mississippi State is the type of team that can beat Alabama. Any team with a dominating inside game and a  couple of good scorers will give Alabama a run for their money. To beat Alabama, you need three things. Outrebound the Tide, have a couple of players who can score and hope Alabama doesn't hit a big number of shots from downtown. They did two of the three. Alabama made enough three-point shots to win.  Credit Mississippi State for coming into Tuscaloosa, a  big underdog, and playing their best game of the season. The  Tide played a  little bit better.  It would be easy to say that Alabama didn't play well, but that wouldn't be true. Alabama played well enough to remain atop the SEC.  When you take a team's best punch and win, it says a lot. Alabama remains undefeated in the Conference with an 8-0 and moves to 13-3 overall. Look for Bama to get in some top-tens tonight and tomorrow.

       Alabama gained some important experience in winning a close game.  They needed to find out if they could hold on to a lead late in the game.  The Tide has a couple of bad turnover near the end but continued to run their offense. Shackleford and Petty each made a three-pointer to secure the win. Petty drained a long one to give the Tide a  six-point lead, which was never relinquished.

     James Rojas was ill and did not dress.  I have been told it is a non-covid issue. Let's hope that is correct. Keon Ambrose-Hylton played well. He hit a made a couple of shots, pulled down some rebounds, and had a couple of assists. Alex Reese played a great basketball game. He defended well, made a three, hit a big basket late, and rebounded well. Without his inside play, Alabama would have lost the game. 

     Alabama frequently fouled, banking on State's 61% from the line this season. State hit 15-17 from the line. That gave State a few extra points,  but Alabama, to their credit, needed a few more, made 11-13 from the line. Although a couple of Tide turnovers were late in the game, it gave State a chance to tie the score. I'm betting Nate Oats spends some time on this before the Kentucky game. 

      Tennessee took one on the chin yesterday. The Missouri Tigers beat the 'Vols in Knoxville.  Missouri has two losses in the SEC, and all other teams have at least three losses. The Tide hosts Kentucky this week. The Wildcats beat LSU on Saturday night. Looking at the SEC standings, it is impressive to note the Tide has beaten LSU, Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi State, Auburn, Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Kentucky. The Tide has beaten every SEC team they have played, and four of the five teams they have not played are the teams with the worst records. 

      Nine in a row is good work. Nine consecutive wins over Mississippi State is hard to believe,=. Congratulations to TonyTiger for winning the TI prediction contest.

KEYWORD: FOR THE 'BAMA BASKETBALL - How about an extra pass?

BAMA WON DESPITE - Quinerly was only one for nine from the floor. 

MVP - Alex Reese gets my nod.

TIP OF THE HAT - Keon Ambrose-Hylton had a big night, and what about that twisting lay-up?