When the Alabama basketball team hosts Mississippi State in Coleman Coliseum Wednesday, it will be looking to defend a conference-high 13-game SEC home-court winning streak. The Crimson Tide has not lost to a conference opponent at home since Feb. 14, 2012, when it lost 61-52 to Florida. Despite this streak and a 24-2 record at home against league competition since 2011, coach Anthony Grant is prepared for a tough matchup against the 11-4 Bulldogs.
“In two SEC games, they’re 1-1. I think they played very well in both games and had opportunities to win,” Grant said. “They’re playing at a really good tempo, creating a lot of transition opportunities with the way they defend, so it should be a good matchup with their style of play versus our style of play.”
Both defenses force turnovers, with Mississippi State averaging a league-high 9.6 steals per game and Alabama ranking third at 8.1. Alabama’s Trevor Releford leads the conference and is ranked No. 10 nationally in steals, averaging 2.6 per game and 4.5 in his last four games. In many ways, the senior guard has been the Crimson Tide’s most valuable player, leading the team in scoring.
“I think he’s been pretty consistent this season,” Grant said. “That’s the thing we want all our guys to strive for – that consistency.”
Opposite Releford will be sophomore Craig Sword, who averages 2.3 steals per game, good for fifth in the conference. Sword, an Alabama native, averages 14.7 points per game for the Bulldogs.
“Craig’s done a great job for his team,” Grant said.
Beyond the guards, Alabama will look for forward Shannon Hale to spark the offense. The freshman is averaging 15.5 points per game in conference play and has been a talisman for the Crimson Tide in the last two games.
Junior guard Levi Randolph said he has been impressed with Hale’s growth.
“He’s a great player, and he’s learning every day,” Randolph said. “With these games and practices, he’s gaining more confidence and is able to help us on both offensive and defensive ends.”
Alabama will be looking to improve in conference play after going 6-7 against nonconference opponents.
