Alabama destroys Mississippi State 85-48

        If this had been a prize fight, someone would have thrown in the towel. Alabama played the best defensive basketball game I've ever seen. The Bulldogs had 19 points at the half and were lucky to have scored that many. The Tide defense was so stifling Mississippi State couldn't run their offense. The Tide blocked shots, deflected passes, got all the fifty-fifty balls, stole everything they touched. 

     

      When Mississippi State got the ball inside, Alabama's quick hands stopped the Bulldogs from shooting. After the first 12 minutes, you could see Ben Howland's team surrender. If you ever wondered how good the Tide defense really is, you saw Exhibit 1.  Alabama wasn't red-hot from the outside, but they held Mississippi State to 1-19 from downtown. The Tide's switches on ball screens and back screens were nearly perfect. Nate Oats had to be happy with the team's performance.

     Alabama shot 48% from the floor, 36.1 % from beyond the arc, 8-8 from the free-throw line.  The Tide had only 9 turnovers and an outstanding 20 assists. 11 steals, and 7 blocked shots. State out-boarded the Tide by 9,  but several were after the game was in hand. Quinerly led the Tide in scoring with 14.  No news yet on Primo's knee injury.  Juwan Gary was a force inside. He kept Ado and Smith off the glass. He had 11 points. All things totaled with was the best performance the Tide has had on both ends of the floor since early in the season.

     Alabama now takes on Tennessee. Fulkerson sustained a head injury, and according to Rick Barnes he is unlikely for tomorrow. Arkansas edged out Missouri 70-64. This was posted prior to the last game between LSU and Ole Miss.