Alabama basketball pulverizes Mississippi State in Coleman: Highlights, score updates

Alabama Basketball: A Dominant Performance Over Mississippi State in Coleman Coliseum

In a season filled with high expectations and momentum, Alabama basketball proved just how formidable they are as they took on Mississippi State in a decisive SEC matchup at Coleman Coliseum. The Crimson Tide’s dominant victory was not only a statement to their conference rivals but also a reminder that Alabama is a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.

From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, Alabama controlled every aspect of the game. Mississippi State, a team known for its gritty defense and competitive spirit, was simply overpowered by the sheer skill, speed, and execution of the Crimson Tide. In a game where Alabama flexed its offensive depth and defensive prowess, the result was never really in doubt. Alabama’s 84-56 victory was a reflection of their continued growth under head coach Nate Oats and a clear indication that they are hitting their stride as the season enters its most crucial stretch.

Let’s dive into the key highlights and score updates from this commanding win over Mississippi State and explore how Alabama executed such a thorough performance.

First Half: Alabama Sets the Tone

As the game began, the atmosphere inside Coleman Coliseum was electric, with a sea of crimson filling the stands in anticipation of what was expected to be a closely contested SEC showdown. However, it quickly became clear that Alabama was determined to make a statement right out of the gate.

Alabama’s Early Offensive Surge

From the opening whistle, Alabama came out firing on all cylinders. The Crimson Tide wasted no time in establishing their tempo, pushing the ball up the court with speed and precision. They were executing their fast-paced, up-tempo offense with ease, putting pressure on Mississippi State from all angles. Alabama’s ability to quickly move the ball around and create open shots led to early success from the floor.

The Tide’s offense was paced by Brandon Miller, who had a scorching start to the game. Miller, the talented freshman forward, wasted no time making his presence felt with several early baskets, including a couple of three-pointers that helped build Alabama’s early lead. His shooting range and ability to attack the basket were on full display, forcing Mississippi State to scramble defensively to try and contain him.

In addition to Miller, Jahvon Quinerly provided a steady hand at point guard, orchestrating the offense and finding his teammates for easy looks. His quick ball handling and court vision allowed Alabama to break down Mississippi State’s defense with ease. Quinerly’s ability to penetrate the paint and either dish out an assist or finish at the rim kept the Bulldogs on their heels.

As Alabama continued to run their offense through their guards, Noah Clowney provided the interior presence that kept Mississippi State from getting too comfortable. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and physicality in the post helped Alabama control the paint both offensively and defensively. Clowney’s ability to contribute in multiple areas made him a matchup nightmare for the Bulldogs.

Mississippi State, on the other hand, struggled to find any rhythm offensively. Their defense, while usually a strength, was caught out of position far too often against Alabama’s speed and precision. Tolu Smith, Mississippi State’s standout big man, found it difficult to establish himself in the paint as Alabama’s defense was consistently swarming. The Bulldogs’ offense was plagued by turnovers, poor shooting, and missed opportunities.

At the 10-minute mark of the first half, Alabama had already built a double-digit lead, with the score sitting at 25-10. Mississippi State’s frustration was evident as they struggled to get anything going offensively. Alabama’s stifling defense was able to get stops on consecutive possessions, limiting Mississippi State to tough, contested shots.

Alabama’s Defensive Dominance

While the offensive outburst was impressive, Alabama’s defense was arguably even more impressive. The Crimson Tide’s defensive intensity was evident from the opening tip, as they harassed Mississippi State’s guards and forced them into uncomfortable situations. Alabama’s defenders were quick to close out on shooters and contest shots, leading to a number of missed attempts for the Bulldogs.

One of the biggest standouts in the first half on the defensive end was Mark Sears. The Alabama guard, known for his relentless defensive effort, was a key part of Alabama’s ability to stymie Mississippi State’s offense. He was active on the ball, applying pressure to the Bulldogs’ ball handlers, and also did an excellent job in help defense, blocking shots and disrupting passing lanes. The defensive pressure forced Mississippi State into a series of turnovers, which Alabama converted into fast-break points. The result was a growing lead for the Tide.

By the time the first half came to an end, Alabama had opened up a commanding lead, with the score sitting at 47-28. The Tide shot an impressive 52% from the field in the first half and held Mississippi State to just 38% shooting. Alabama’s ability to control the game with their offense, combined with their stifling defense, was evident as they headed into the locker room with a 19-point advantage.

Second Half: Alabama Keeps the Foot on the Gas

Coming out of halftime, Mississippi State knew they had to make a major push if they were going to get back into the game. However, Alabama showed that they were not about to take their foot off the gas pedal.

Brandon Miller’s Continued Excellence

Miller’s performance in the second half was just as impressive as it was in the first. After dropping a strong 15 points in the first half, Miller came out with an even greater sense of urgency in the second. He continued to show his ability to score from all areas of the court, including hitting timely three-pointers and finishing at the rim. His offensive versatility was on full display, as he finished the game with a team-high 24 points.

The Bulldogs attempted to focus more attention on Miller defensively, but it proved to be a futile effort. Even when Mississippi State sent extra defenders his way, Miller showed great patience and unselfishness, finding open teammates for easy looks. This allowed Jaden Bradley and Noah Clowney to get involved more offensively, with Bradley contributing 12 points and Clowney adding 10.

Mississippi State’s Struggles Continue

For Mississippi State, the second half was much like the first: a frustrating, uphill battle. Despite some brief flashes of offensive success, the Bulldogs could not string together enough quality possessions to mount a comeback. Camryn Carter and Shakeel Moore tried to provide a spark off the bench, but their efforts were stifled by Alabama’s constant defensive pressure.

Tolu Smith, who had been expected to be a key contributor for Mississippi State, found himself in foul trouble for much of the second half. Alabama’s physical play in the paint limited Smith’s effectiveness, and he was unable to get anything going offensively. Mississippi State’s struggles to score were compounded by Alabama’s ability to convert on the fast break, with the Tide turning defensive stops into easy points on the other end.

As the second half progressed, Alabama’s lead continued to grow. By the 10-minute mark, the score had ballooned to 65-40, and Mississippi State had no answers for Alabama’s offense or defense. The Crimson Tide’s depth and talent were simply too much for the Bulldogs to handle.

Alabama’s Bench Contributions

What stood out in the second half was Alabama’s depth. With the game well in hand, Alabama was able to empty their bench and still maintain their high level of play. Players like Rylan Griffen and Darius Miles came in and contributed, adding a few baskets and rebounds to keep the pressure on Mississippi State. This depth allowed Alabama to rest their starters and still maintain control of the game.

As the game entered its final minutes, Alabama’s dominance was complete. Mississippi State was unable to mount any significant runs, and the Tide cruised to an 84-56 victory.

Final Thoughts: A Statement Win for Alabama

In what many expected to be a competitive SEC showdown, Alabama proved just how dangerous they are when clicking on all cylinders. The Crimson Tide’s 84-56 win was a statement performance that highlighted their strengths across the board. Offensively, they were led by Brandon Miller, who displayed his elite scoring ability and versatility, finishing with 24 points. Defensively, Alabama suffocated Mississippi State with relentless pressure, forcing turnovers and limiting their scoring opportunities.

Perhaps most importantly, Alabama’s depth was on full display. With contributions from every player on the roster, the Tide showed that they are a well-rounded team that can withstand injuries or off nights from individual players. This win also reinforced the notion that Alabama is one of the premier teams in the SEC and a serious contender on the national stage.

As the season continues, Alabama will look to carry this momentum forward, building on this dominant performance. For Mississippi State, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back and get back on track in their quest for an NCAA Tournament berth.