No. 17 Alabama Rides Offense Into Rematch With Mississippi State

Crimson Tide look to extend winning streak to seven games against Bulldogs

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:10am

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The No. 17 Alabama Crimson Tide have found their stride, winning six straight games and averaging 97.5 points during that stretch. They will look to defeat the Mississippi State Bulldogs for the second time this season and extend their winning streak to seven games when the teams meet on Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa.

Why it matters

Alabama has been one of the highest-scoring teams in the country this season, leading the nation at 92.6 points per game. A win over Mississippi State would keep the Crimson Tide's momentum going as they approach the postseason.

The details

Alabama has been led by the scoring of guard Labaron Philon Jr., who is the third-leading scorer in the SEC at 21.3 points per game. Guard Aden Holloway has also stepped up his play during the winning streak, averaging 16.9 points over the last seven games. Mississippi State is led by guard Josh Hubbard, who is second in the SEC in scoring at 22.0 points per game, but he struggled in the team's last game, going just 4-of-20 from the field.

  • Alabama defeated Mississippi State 97-82 in the teams' first meeting on January 13.
  • The rematch will take place on Wednesday, February 26, 2026 in Tuscaloosa.

The players

Labaron Philon Jr.

Alabama's star guard, who is the third-leading scorer in the SEC at 21.3 points per game.

Aden Holloway

Alabama guard who has stepped up his play during the team's six-game winning streak, averaging 16.9 points over that stretch.

Josh Hubbard

Mississippi State's leading scorer at 22.0 points per game, the second-highest mark in the SEC.

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What they’re saying

“We're just trying to keep our head down and just take it game by game. We're not trying to worry about the SEC Tournament or March Madness.”

— Aden Holloway, Alabama guard

“I thought that was the best game Aden Holloway has played on the defensive end all year.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama head coach

What’s next

The winner of Wednesday's game will take a step closer to securing a higher seed in the SEC Tournament, which begins on March 13.

The takeaway

Alabama's high-powered offense has fueled its recent surge, and a win over Mississippi State would keep the Crimson Tide's momentum going as they approach the postseason. However, the Bulldogs will be looking to avenge their earlier loss and pull off the upset on the road.