In front of a sold-out Humphrey Coliseum, the 14th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs welcomed 4th-ranked Alabama for a highly anticipated Wednesday night of Southeastern Conference basketball. With Alabama in town, the Bulldogs of Mississippi State would welcome them with open arms to the confines of the Hump for the second blackout game of the season for the first of two matchups between the two.

Coming into the matchup with the Crimson Tide, Coach Jans and the Mississippi State coaching staff knew that a rock fight would be on the docket as two of the most physical teams in the Southeastern Conference would meet in round one of the season matchup between the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs.

Alabama took a five-point 44-39 lead to the break over Mississippi State.

As the curtains broke way to the second half, the intensity picked up as Mississippi State and Alabama traded haymakers, creating an unreal environment inside of the Hump. At the under-12 media timeout, Alabama hung on for dear life to a 63-60 lead over the Bulldogs. As the under-8 media timeout rolled around, Mississippi State held a 72-70 lead over the Crimson Tide with 7:33 to play. With 3:57 on the clock, Alabama held on to dear life to an 80-79 lead over the Bulldogs, but Mississippi State had Josh Hubbard at the line shooting one for a potential tie at the end of the timeout.

Alabama leaves Starkville with an 88-84 win over Mississippi State.

Despite the loss, Josh Hubbard had himself a game on Wednesday night as he led the way in scoring for Mississippi State with 38 points.

Mississippi State returns home on Saturday as they welcome the Missouri Tigers to the Hump for another sold-out Southeastern Conference matchup. Following the home game with Mizzou, Mississippi State will have a much-needed midweek bye before heading to Athens on the 8th to take on the Georgia Bulldogs in another monster conference matchup.