Sound: Bulldogs Rolled Over By Crimson Tide; Eliminated From SEC Tourney

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WCBI / AP) – Dazon Ingram scored 17 points, Corbin Collins added 14 and Alabama shot well throughout to roll past Mississippi State 75-55 on Thursday in the Southeastern Conference tournament.

The fifth-seeded Crimson Tide had it easy in its tournament opener, leading by as many as 30 with eight minutes remaining against a Bulldogs squad playing its second SEC contest in 24 hours. Alabama’s sharpness in many facets created that clear path as it made 25 of 53 from the field (47 percent) and committed just nine turnovers for its most decisive win since drilling LSU 90-72 last month.

“We’re going to be a much improved team because, number one, the nucleus that returns, it’s gone through a season like this where they’ve really been right there in so many of the SEC games and faltered here down the stretch when we had a chance to win”, Mississippi State head coach Ben Howland said about his program’s future.

Ingram made all seven field goal attempts including a 3-pointer, while Collins made 4 of 6 from long range. Reserves Donte Hall and Avery Johnson Jr. each added 10 points for Alabama (18-13), which moves on to a Friday quarterfinal against No. 4 South Carolina.

Tyson Carter had 13 points for the 12th-seeded Bulldogs (16-16), whose consolation was winning the rebounding battle (38-36) and paint points (40-32).

“The program is in great hands”, lone Mississippi State senior IJ Ready said about the young team’s future.

“I think this year I’ve done a pretty good job of trying to lead and setting the foundation. My first three years they had losing seasons, this year, I finish even. Next year…I expect a twenty win season and I expect to see them in the NCAA tournament.”