Mississippi State men's basketball vs. No. 25 Alabama: Live updates, score
STARKVILLE — Ben Howland made it clear: Mississippi State basketball knows every game on the schedule is important.
But even the coach can admit, some carry more weight than others, and as the Bulldogs (11-4, 2-1 SEC) push to improve an NCAA Tournament resume devoid of a major win, the game against No. 25 Alabama on Saturday (5 p.m., SEC Network), that prime opportunity has arrived.
"This is the best team we've played to date," Howland said. "We circle every game, but this game is definitely circled twice because they're a quality win if you beat them."
SCOUTING REPORT: Mississippi State basketball vs Alabama
VIEWING: How to watch Alabama vs. Mississippi State basketball on TV, live stream plus game time
'THEY WERE BEST FRIENDS': Mississippi State basketball's Javian Davis dealing with death of cousin
Alabama (11-5, 2-2) is coming off consecutive losses, first to Missouri and then in a close game against No. 4 Auburn. The Crimson Tide have speed in transition, and guards Jaden Shackelford and Jahvon Quinerly are threats from the perimeter or on dribble-drives.
Mississippi State has forward Tolu Smith returning after he missed two games due to COVID-19 protocols. With that time away from the court, Smith isn't expected to jump right back into the starting lineup, although Howland said he'll feature.
Follow along below for updates between Mississippi State and Alabama at Humphrey Coliseum.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State men's basketball vs. Alabama: Live updates, score
