Mississippi State Faces No. 17 Alabama in SEC Basketball Showdown

Mississippi State men’s basketball is set for a road game against No. 17 Alabama on Wednesday at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:05 p.m. Central Time, with live coverage on ESPNU and the ESPN app, according to the school’s athletics department.

The Bulldogs (13-14, 5-9 SEC) are looking to snap a nine-game losing streak in Tuscaloosa, dating back to 2016. State’s last victory in Tuscaloosa was a 67-61 win on Feb. 20, 2016. Mississippi State will also aim to halt a nine-game losing streak against Alabama, which has dominated the series since 2021-22. The Crimson Tide (20-7, 10-4 SEC) defeated the Bulldogs 97-82 earlier this season on Jan. 13.

Alabama has won six straight games and nine of its last 11. The team averages 92.6 points per game, boosted by 12.6 made three-pointers per contest. Six potential starters average double figures, led by Labaron Philon with 21.3 points per game. The Tide is known for its high-octane offense and balanced scoring attack.

Mississippi State is led by guard Josh Hubbard, who has been a key player during the program’s recent success. Hubbard, a two-time All-SEC Second Team selection, is approaching 600 points and 100 assists for the season. He scored 46 points in a game earlier this month, setting a school SEC record. Hubbard has accumulated 1,835 career points, ranking sixth on the school’s all-time list.

Head coach Chris Jans, in his fourth season with the Bulldogs, has compiled a 75-37 record at Mississippi State. Jans, a three-time WAC Coach of the Year, has led the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances in a row, a rare achievement for the program. The Bulldogs are seeking to extend their NCAA Tournament streak to four consecutive trips.

The game will be broadcast on ESPNU, with radio coverage provided by the Mississippi State Sports Network via Learfield. Fans can also follow live stats through the school’s website.

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