No. 1 Alabama Advances Into SEC Tournament Semifinals

The top seeded Alabama Crimson Tide has struggled this season starting quickly in early tip-offs this season. That was not the case today as the Tide boat-raced the Mississippi State Bulldogs 85-48 in the opening game of today's SEC quarterfinals.

Alabama dominated the Bulldogs from start to finish taking advantage of turnovers, strong rebounding and its signature 3-point shooting burying the Bulldogs 47-19 in the first half.

"I feel like we came out and established ourselves on the defensive end, of course our shots were falling but I think that started on the defensive end. It started us with us getting stops, not giving up offensive rebounds," said senior Herb Jones.

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The Crimson Tide forced 18 Bulldog turnovers and only committed nine of its own. Additionally Alabama made 13 3-point baskets to the Bulldogs one make from beyond the arc.

Alabama was well balanced offensively, receiving scoring contributions from the majority of the roster. Jahvon Quinerly led the Tide, despite coming off the bench, with 14 points, Jaden Shackelford chipped in with 13, Juwan Gary had 11, John Petty scored nine, Jones and Josh Primo both contributed eight points each.

Jones, the reigning SEC Player of the Year also affected the game adding seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks in the game.

The lone negative for the Crimson Tide came in the form of injury. SEC All-Freshman team member Josh Primo left the game with an apparent left leg injury. Primo is being taken to Vanderbilt for further evaluation.

Alabama will take on the winner of No. 4 Tennessee and No. 5 Florida in the semifinals on Saturday, March 13 at noon CT on ESPN. The game can also be heard on Crimson Tide Sports Network with a pregame show beginning at 11 a.m. CT on 95.3 The Bear.