Instant Reactions: Youngblood leads Alabama to road win at Mississippi State

The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team was back in SEC action late Wednesday night, traveling not far west from Tuscaloosa for a road contest against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

A Top 25 showdown, Alabama and Mississippi State went back-and-forth for 40 minutes Wednesday night, with the Crimson Tide eventually coming away with a big 88-84 victory. Make no mistake however, this game could’ve very easily gone either way, with this certainly a result that could hold weight when it comes to NCAA Tournament seeding come March.

Here are some instant reactions to Alabama’s win vs. Mississippi State on Wednesday night in Starkville:

Alabama forward Derrion Reid returns from injury

After a multi-game absence due to an injury, Alabama freshman forward Derrion Reid made his return Wednesday night by coming off the bench for the Crimson Tide. Reid would end the game with a final stat line of two points and four rebounds on one-of-four shooting from the field.

Alabama forward Chris Youngblood impresses from three

Alabama had a big night shooting from three-point range against Mississippi State (15-of-31, 48.4%), with arguably no player more impressive than Chris Youngblood. Youngblood went 7-of-10 from deep in the contest, finishing with a team-high 23 points, as well as making a pair of clutch free throws down the stretch.

Alabama struggles against Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard

There was no secret as to whom was the most impactful player on the court Wednesday night, as Alabama simply struggled to defend star Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard. Hubbard finished with a game-high 38 points on 14-of-28 shooting from the field, while also making six three’s.

Alabama wins rebounding battle, struggles with free throws

Two other prominent stats Wednesday night were rebounds and free throws, the former of which Alabama had an overall 41-35 edge, as well as a 17-13 advantage on the offensive glass. In terms of free throws, the Crimson Tide however struggled at the line, shooting only 55% (11-of-20).