Alabama vs. Mississippi State Hoops Preview
By Nick Jones
Alabama faces a huge game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs tonight in Tuscaloosa. In their last meeting, Arnett Moultrie led the Bulldogs to a 56-52 win over Alabama. Anthony Grant and the Crimson Tide look to reverse the outcome of that game on January 14 tonight.
Moultrie gave Alabama’s forwards all they wanted in their last matchup, leading the Bulldogs in scoring with 25 points and in rebounding with 13 boards. Alabama has to contain the Bulldogs inside play tonight to get a win.
Anthony Grant confirmed earlier this week that senior forward, JaMychal Green, would dress for today’s game and could see some playing time. With Alabama on a hot streak with Nick Jacobs in the lineup, it will be interesting to see the team’s response to his return.
Alabama’s defensive play has been a strong point for the Tide all season long. Look for Alabama to try and control the Mississippi State offensive attack with multiple defensive looks. Alabama likes to run a 2-3 for most of the game to contain the paint. The Bulldogs can shoot from outside, if they get hot, Alabama might have to move to a man-to-man look.
On the other hand, the Tide needs to force Mississippi State to shoot from outside. Containing the post will result in forced shots from outside. If Nick Jacobs and Alabama’s forwards can contain Moultrie, the Bulldogs will be forced to look for other scoring options.
Alabama is also a very strong rebounding team, but they allow too many long rebounds. Alabama’s guards need to box out on shots from the perimeter. The Tide can’t afford to give Mississippi State second chances on missed shots.
With an emphasis on the defensive attack inside, Alabama will have to close out on three-point shots. The 2-3 zone works very well for containing the inside, but when a team gets hot, they can exploit your closeouts. Trevor Releford and Andrew Steele are two of Alabama’s best zone defenders. Their play at the top of the zone could dictate Mississippi State’s shooting performance on the night.
Rodney Cooper and Andrew Steele came up big for the Tide in their last game. Anthony Grant hasn’t been afraid to go with a smaller lineup over the past two games, and the Tide guards have benefited. If Rodney Cooper can continue to score from the outside, Alabama’s offensive attack will flow much better. It is unlikely that Trevor Lacey will get much playing time tonight. He suffered a nasty ankle injury in the win vs. Arkansas. It will be key for one of Alabama’s guards to step up and fill his position.
The Crimson Tide has a set attack that works best for them. Play defense, rebound well, and attack the inside. Alabama plays best when they stick to this plan. If they decide to stray away, the outcome usually isn’t a good one. Tonight’s game is a crucial one for the Tide, if they are going to win, they have to stick to what they do best.
Key Matchup
Arnett Moultrie vs. Nick Jacobs. Alabama had a tough time containing Moultrie last go around even with JaMychal Green. Nick Jacobs will have a tough assignment tonight against one of the best forwards in the SEC.
It is no secret that Jacobs has been soft on the inside at times. The true freshman had some issues on defense early in the year, but he has worked on that side of the ball. He will have to man up to contain Moultrie on the inside. Moultrie isn’t going to back down, Jacobs better come ready to play a physical game.
Moultrie leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 16.1 points a game, not to mention averaging a double-double with 10.8 rebounds a game. Alabama might not be able to shut him down, but they will have to at least slow him down.
Finally, Jacobs’ lefty hook around the basket is a beautiful play to watch, Jacobs drives to the left and throws up a one-handed hook shot. Anthony Davis was thrown off by this play all day when they faced Alabama. Jacobs more than likely won’t lead Alabama in scoring, but every point inside will help the offensive attack.
Game Info
February 25, 2012 – 5:00pm CST
Coleman Coliseum (Tuscaloosa, AL)
ESPN, streaming on ESPN3