After a five-game winning streak, the Alabama Crimson Tide suffered a loss to Mississippi State in front of a sold-out crowd. This was the second game against the Bulldogs this season, and the first game went to the Tide in overtime on Mississippi State's home turf. 

The Tide Never Got Their Offense Going

The major thing going against the Tide was the lack of togetherness on the offensive side of the ball. Shannon Hale and Retin Obasohan were the two players responsible for most of Bama's points. Both had 22 points a piece. The rest of the team combined for 17 points. 

For the game, Bama shot 42.3% from field goal range and only 28.6% behind the arc. Despite the low percentage from the 3-point line, the Tide players actually got a lot of good looks but were just unable to get them to fall.

Second Half Woes Due To Inconsistent Officiating

To say the officiating in this game was questionable is an understatement. Countless fouls were called against both teams that didn't show up in the replay. From the very start of the second half, it was apparent that the refs were still going to be inconsistent, causing frustrated reactions from both benches. Mississippi State's Gavin Ware and Alabama head coach Avery Johnson both got technical fouls after complaining over bad calls. Needless to say, the tension was high in Coleman Coliseum for most of the game. 

Mississippi State Able To Overcome Despite Slow Start

The game started out 11-4 five minutes into the game in Bama's favor. With three minutes left in the first half, Mississippi State had taken over with a 27-18 lead. From there, the Bulldogs had complete control over the game, not giving Alabama the lead again. 

There were many times that it seemed like Bama might be able to come back and win. However, each time it got within a couple of points, Mississippi State would stretch the lead again. Freshman Quinndary Weatherspoon led the Bulldogs with 15 points. 

​What's Next

Alabama will head to Lexington, KY to face the Kentucky Wildcats on Tuesday, February 23. The Wildcats have been on a tear lately and are currently riding a 4-game winning streak (pending tonight's game). The Wildcats are a tough team to face on your own court and even tougher when it's in their house. The Tide will have their work cut out for them if they plan on upsetting the Wildcats.

Mississippi State will be heading to College Station to play the Texas A&M Aggies on Wednesday, February 24. A&M has been in a rough spot lately. Before winning against Ole Miss, they lost four straight and were looking extremely inconsistent. The Bulldogs squeaked by with a 61-60 win in their first meeting this season.