In a decisive Southeastern Conference matchup on February 25, 2025, the No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide showcased their offensive prowess, securing a dominant blowout 111-73 victory over the No. 24 Mississippi State Bulldogs at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. The win marked Alabama’s eighth consecutive triumph over Mississippi State, underscoring the Tide’s dominance in the series.
Alabama’s offensive onslaught was spearheaded by guard Chris Youngblood, who delivered a season-high 27 points, connecting on 7 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc. Complementing Youngblood’s performance, Mark Sears contributed a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists, while Aden Holloway added 13 points to the tally. The Crimson Tide’s efficiency from three-point range was evident, as they sank a season-best 22 three-pointers, shooting an impressive 48.9% from long distance.
The Bulldogs faced challenges in containing Alabama’s perimeter shooting. Despite the setback, Mississippi State’s offense saw notable performances from Josh Hubbard, who led the team with 21 points, and KeShawn Murphy, who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. RJ Melendez also contributed 11 points to the Bulldogs’ effort.
The game commenced with both teams exchanging early baskets until about the 14:00 mark of the first half. Following a brief 7-6 lead for Mississippi State, Alabama initiated a pivotal 15-4 run over a seven-minute span, highlighted by three-pointers from Sears and Youngblood. This surge established a double-digit advantage for the Crimson Tide, a lead they would maintain and expand throughout the contest.
By halftime, Alabama had built a substantial 53-27 lead, courtesy of their relentless offensive execution and defensive tenacity. The second half mirrored the first, with the Crimson Tide continuing their dominance. The Tide went up 30 at 15:52 in the second half. Notably, Alabama’s bench made significant contributions, with Mouhamed Dioubate adding 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Labaron Philon chipping in 10 points and five assists.
Alabama’s head coach, Nate Oats, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, stating, “Tonight was a better start than what we’d had. We have been stressing a better sense of urgency to start the games.” He further emphasized the importance of their shooting efficiency, noting, “It obviously helps to make shots; we shot almost 50 percent from three and that helps everything.”
On the opposing side, Mississippi State’s head coach, Chris Jans, acknowledged the challenges his team faced, particularly on the defensive end. Reflecting on a previous game, he noted, “We couldn’t guard them in the second half. We switched coverages multiple times to try and screw them up, but they did a good job of attacking us.”
Statistically, Alabama’s shooting proficiency was a decisive factor. The Crimson Tide shot 52.1% from the field and 48.9% from three-point range, while the Bulldogs managed 38.4% overall and 20% from beyond the arc. Additionally, Alabama capitalized on Mississippi State’s 14 turnovers, converting them into 26 points, further extending their lead.
This victory propels Alabama to a 23-5 overall record, with a 12-3 mark in SEC play, solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the conference. Conversely, Mississippi State falls to 19-9 overall and 7-8 in the SEC, facing challenges as they approach the season’s culmination.
Looking ahead, Alabama is set to face No. 5 Tennessee on the road on Saturday, March 1, with tipoff scheduled for 3 p.m. CT. This upcoming game presents an opportunity for the Crimson Tide to further assert their dominance in the SEC standings and begins the run to the end of the regular season against #5 Tennessee, #3 Florida, and #1 Auburn.