STARKVILLE — Shortly after Mississippi State’s loss to Auburn in its Southeastern Conference opener Saturday, men’s basketball coach Ben Howland said his team needed to play with more poise.
The fifth-year coach felt his players too often fell into a trap of playing too fast and out of control, and would benefit from running more of the team’s halfcourt sets instead of settling for rushed shots. That concept may prove difficult against Alabama, MSU’s first SEC road opponent at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The Crimson Tide play at the fourth-fastest pace in the country, according to KenPom.com, with their average offensive possession lasting 15 seconds.
“We have to control the tempo,” Howland said. “They play very quickly and shoot a ton of 3s, that’s the key to their deal. They’re taking 30 3-pointers per game, they’re literally the Houston Rockets of college basketball.”
Alabama guards Kira Lewis and John Petty handle the bulk of the scoring for the Crimson Tide, as both contribute 16.6 points per game.
“There’s not a pair of better guards in our league,” Howland said.
Scoring hasn’t been a problem for Alabama (7-6, 0-1 SEC) considering it averages 83.9 points per night. Defensively is a different story, though, as the Crimson Tide are allowing opponents to score an average of 79.7 points per game. After a horrific 2-4 start to the season (including nonconference losses to Penn and Rhode Island), Alabama has quietly won three of its last four games and nearly knocked off Florida on the road in its SEC opener, yet blew a nine-point lead with two and a half minutes remaining Saturday.
“Those guys are really talented,” Howland said. “We’ll be tested on the road playing in a foreign environment. It’ll be us against the world. But in some ways I think that can be a positive. I’ve had that happen with different teams.”
After the bout with the Crimson Tide, MSU (9-4, 0-1) has a road matchup with LSU at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Perry earning attention of NBA scouts
NBA scouts have visited MSU recently, including one from the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday to get a look at sophomore forward Reggie Perry, among other players.
“This guy is an incredible passer,” Howland said he told the scout regarding Perry. “He’s so special for a guy that is 6-foot-9, you want to run as much as you can through him.”
In MSU’s 80-68 loss to Auburn, Perry had a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Carter trying to work through shooting struggles
After a prolific start to the season offensively, senior guard Tyson Carter has cooled off in recent weeks. Against Auburn, Carter was 1-of-11 from the floor and scored four points in the contest. In his last four games combined, Carter has shot 8-of-37 from the field.
Nevertheless, his teammates haven’t lost confidence in his ability.
“After the game, I texted Reggie and told him we have to talk to Tyson,” MSU guard Nick Weatherspoon said. “Because he’s our brother before basketball. I sent Tyson a text and told him he’s the best shooter I’ve ever played with. So, keep shooting. They’re going to fall eventually.”
Rankings
According to KenPom.com, Mississippi State is ranked 52nd, while Alabama is ranked 57th. The website predicts a 78-75 Alabama victory. Meanwhile, the NET rankings prefer Alabama, with the Crimson Tide being ranked 64th and the Bulldogs being placed at No. 76.
Hodge is the former sports editor for The Dispatch.
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