University of Alabama defeats Mississippi State in men's basketball

January 29, 2025 – STARKVILLE, MS – The University of men's basketball team out fought Mississippi State to secure win number 18 for the Tide. The Tide are the number 4 team in the nation in the latest AP poll. Last night's 88 to 84 win over number 14 Mississippi State improved the Tide to 7 and 1 in the Southeastern Conference.

Fifth year senior Guard Chris Youngblood was the Tide's leading scorer with 23 points – including 7 three-point shots made – both career highs. Senior Guard Mark Sears contributed 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists in the win. Fifth year senior Center/Forward Grant Nelson added 15 points and 7 rebounds. Sophomore transfer from Auburn, Guard Aden Holloway contributed 12 points to the Tide's win.

Alabama won the game even though Mississippi State Sophomore Guard Josh Hubbard led all scorers with 38 points – a career high.

Alabama is coached by Nate Oats

"That was quite the game if you like big shot-making," Coach Oats said. "This was a good game to be at. (Josh) Hubbard is pretty good and we didn't do a very good job on him, but he made some tough shots. I thought Chris (Youngblood) stepped up because he said let me take him and I thought he did the best job of anybody. He (Hubbard) went for 38 points so we have to do a better job, but we made some big plays elsewhere."

The game was tight throughout with Alabama leading 44 to 39 at halftime. Mississippi State launched a furious comeback in the second half to tie the game up with 4 minutes left to play; but ultimately Alabama -who shot 66 percent in the second – proved too much for the Bulldogs. Grant Nelson hit a three-point shot with 2:30 left in the game to take a 83 to 80 lead.

Alabama will play Georgia in Tuscaloosa on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast by the SEC Network.

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