Final in Starkville: State 81 Bama 62

[jbcarol]

http://www.secsports.com/boxscore/mens-basketball/401082967

[jbcarol]

Michael Casagrande
‏Verified account@ByCasagrande
19m19 minutes ago

Stat of the night. Mississippi State outscoring Alabama 28-2 in points off turnovers. Tide down 15.

[jbcarol]

Jon Rothstein
‏
Verified account@JonRothstein

Starting to think more and more that Mississippi State's best front court combo is Robert Woodard at PF and Reggie Perry at C. Bulldogs hold serve at home against Alabama.

[jbcarol]

Double Coverage
‏@DJDoubleCover

Ben Howland has coached 124 games at Mississippi State.

He contends the Bulldogs' win over Alabama last night was their best game start to finish in that time. https://buff.ly/2TOIXBU

"This was the best game that we've played since I've been the coach at Mississippi State, without question," Howland said. "It's because of how we played, how hard we played defensively and at both ends of the floor. This was the best game and I hope we can build off this."

The Bulldogs' win splits the season series after Alabama won in Tuscaloosa 83-79 two weeks ago. In that contest, the Crimson Tide racked up 54 points in the paint but were outscored in the post 40-24 by State the second time around.

"Tonight coach emphasized not letting them drive on us and score 54 points in the paint," said MSU guard Lamar Peters. "If they were going to beat us, make them take outside shots. So that's what we came out and did tonight."

Not only did State (17-7, 5-6 SEC) have a strong showing down low, it also cashed in on Alabama's 18 turnovers. The Bulldogs turned those blunders into 28 points on the other end.

"It looked like we were playing catch-up most of the night when we turned the ball over," said Alabama coach Avery Johnson. "Give them credit for converting those turnovers and making good decisions in transition."