By Chris DePew
TideFans.com Staff
Jan. 20, 2018
Braxton Key scored a season-high 16 points, including a putback layup with 1:12 left that gave Alabama the lead for good as the Crimson Tide pulled out a 68-62 home victory against Mississippi State.
What did we learn today?: This team can survive without Collin Sexton – to a point. Twice in a row, Bama has built a double-digit lead at home, then had to hold on for dear life in the closing moments as the opponent made a furious charge. Saturday, the Tide led by 20 points early and 19 at the half, but got caught flat-footed as MSU began crashing the glass with a vengeance and finally got some shots to fall. Without Sexton to fall back on, the rest of the team teetered on the edge of panic waiting for someone to take charge. While no single hero emerged, enough different players chipped in to keep the Bulldogs at bay. But if the Tide looks that vulnerable at home without Sexton, what happens if he can’t go Tuesday at Ole Miss, much less next weekend versus No. 4 Oklahoma?
What was the best part of the game?: The fire lit under Daniel Giddens. After doing nothing of note while starting the last two games, Giddens came out inspired from the opening tip, making three of Bama’s first four baskets and finishing with a career-high 13 points to go with three blocks and four rebounds. Giddens not only helped take up some slack from Donta Hall, who still clearly is bothered by his wrist injury, but got State’s Abdul Ado in early foul trouble, which helped open up the paint as Bama built a 41-22 halftime lead.
Who was the star?: Key had gone 1-for-15 from 3-point range before Saturday but connected twice behind the arc against MSU. The other parts of his game have prospered the last couple of weeks and he contributed five rebounds, four assists and three steals against the Bulldogs. One game isn’t enough to declare that the old Key is “back”, but it is the most hopeful sign yet.
What were the biggest concerns?: Alabama had just four assists and seven turnovers after halftime as MSU clamped down on interior defense, and the Tide went 9-for-29 from the field after halftime. State wouldn’t have had a chance to erase the lead if Bama had been efficient at the line, but instead the Tide was 13-for-23 on free throws. John Petty was making some gorgeous passes and scratched out nine points, but missed eight of his 11 field goal attempts and still hasn’t made the leap to being a dependable primary scorer.
What’s next?: Just a game out of first place in the conference standings, Bama goes for its fifth consecutive win Tuesday in Oxford. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. on the SEC Network from the Pavillion at Ole Miss.
Follow Chris DePew on Twitter @TideFansChris