Alabama @ Mississippi State preview

Alabama at Mississippi State

Last Meeting ( Jan 29, 2019 ) Mississippi State 79, Alabama 83

Alabama’s win over Mississippi State two weeks ago helped reverse both teams’ fortunes in the SEC race. The Bulldogs will try to return the favor when they host the Crimson Tide on Tuesday.

Alabama’s 83-79 over then-No. 21 Mississippi State on Jan. 29 helped jump-start the team’s hot streak, as they’ve won three of their last four games to climb into a tie for fifth place in the SEC standings. The Bulldogs have headed in the opposite direction, losing three of their last four contests after letting two close home games against ranked opponents slip away last week. Mississippi State lost 92-88 in overtime against No. 21 LSU and pushed No. 5 Kentucky to the brink in a 71-67 defeat. Alabama has won 11 of the last 13 meetings, including four of the past five at Mississippi State.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, SEC Network

ABOUT ALABAMA (15-8, 6-4 SEC): The Crimson Tide can light it up from outside, as Kira Lewis Jr. (14.3 points) and John Petty (11.7) have combined to hit 81 3-pointers. Their outside-shooting prowess helps create space in the middle for Donta Hall (11 points, 8.1 rebounds), who leads the SEC with 10 double-doubles. Even when their stars aren’t at their best, the Crimson Tide are tough because of their quality depth - eight players average at least six points.

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (16-7, 4-6): The Bulldogs are led by one of the SEC’s most dynamic players in Quinndary Weatherspoon (17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds), who can score in numerous ways. Lamar Peters (12.4 points, 5.7 assists) likes to let it fly from 3-point range while Aric Holman (10.6, seven rebounds) can stretch the defense as well. Freshman forward Reggie Perry (8.7 points, 6.4 rebounds), who has moved into the starting lineup in the last three games, is averaging 14.4 points and nine rebounds over his last five contests.

TIP-INS

1. Alabama is 15-3 when scoring 70 points or more and 0-5 when failing to reach that mark.

2. Alabama’s reserves average 27.1 points per game overall and 31.3 over the last 10 contests.

3. Mississippi State’s 198 successful 3-pointers are the second-most in program history through 23 games.

PREDICTION: Mississippi State 75, Alabama 73