Alabama rolled into Starkvegas tonight looking to avoid its first three game conference losing streak in four seasons and did so in resounding fashion, 97-82.
Things didn’t start out very well. Mississippi State hit two quick threes to take a 6-1 advantage, and much like Texas in the last outing, seemed to be running circles around the Tide from a hustle perspective. They crashed the offensive boards hard, defended, and in relatively short order led 29-15. There was every reason to worry at that point that Alabama was about to get run out of the building.
Fortunately, a complete 180 was in the cards tonight.
The Tide managed a 21-5 run to go into the half with a two point lead, and they never looked back. As usual, Labaron Philon was the catalyst for the comeback and Aidan Sherrell had a couple of key buckets as well. It was an impressive effort considering the fact that Alabama had only eight scholarship players available. It was particularly important that Sherrell stayed out of foul trouble with Taylor Bol Bowen and Keitenn Bristow out.
The second half was all Philon. The Alabama point guard got to the rim at will, made 60% of his five three point attempts and shot 90% on ten free throws. He finished with 32 points, four rebounds, three assists, and only one turnover. Sherrell added 22 points and five rebounds, and Amari Allen grabbed 12 boards to lead the way as he seemingly does every night. If only he could teach the rest of the squad how to do what he does.
This was a great bounceback from the two game skid, and the Tide should get healthier soon. Hopefully they can build on this one and go on a little run.
Roll Tide.
