Jans and No. 9 Mississippi State Looking Forward to “Opportunity” Against No. 1 Alabama

The Bulldogs talked about their excitement and confidence heading into a third matchup with the Crimson Tide this season.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It’s official.

The top-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide will take on the 9-seed Mississippi State Bulldogs for the third time this season in the quarterfinal round of the 2023 SEC Tournament.

The Crimson Tide (26-5, 16-2 SEC) went 2-0 against the Bulldogs (20-11, 8-10 SEC) this season. Alabama ran away late and won 78-67 in Starkville on Dec. 28.

The second matchup in Tuscaloosa on Jan. 25 was a different story. Mississippi State took the Crimson Tide to the wire — losing by just three points at Coleman Coliseum.

Now, head coach Chris Jans and the Bulldogs will get a third chance at the SEC regular season champions on Friday afternoon.

“I just look at it as a wonderful opportunity,” Jans said. “They’ve got great players, great coaches. We haven't been able to beat them. We had two cracks at it. What an opportunity and obviously a big challenge for us.”

“I know we're going to have to play really, really well.”

Many Alabama fans had hoped the Crimson Tide would see the Colin Castleton-less Florida Gators. Instead, it will be a gritty Mississippi State team potentially playing for its NCAA tournament dreams.

“[Mississippi State is] one of the hardest playing teams in America,” head coach Nate Oats said on Wednesday. “Tolu Smith is one of the best players in the league.”

Coming into the SEC tournament as one of ESPN Joe Lunardi’s “Last Four In,” the Bulldogs may have already punched their ticket to the Big Dance after their 69-68 overtime win over the Gators on Thursday at Bridgestone Arena.

“I just feel like we gave [Alabama] a good run both times,” forward Tolu Smith said. “We made a couple mistakes in both games. I feel like we worked and got better. I think we're going to give them a good run tomorrow and get the win.”

“I feel like we played them good both times,” guard Dashawn Davis said. “We made crucial mistakes last time, a couple bad calls. But we [are] definitely ready to play them again.”

Tipoff between Alabama and Mississippi State is set for noon CT on ESPN.

See Also:

SEC Tournament How to Watch: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 9 Mississippi State

Three Games in Three Days: No. 1 Alabama's Path to its Eighth SEC Tournament Title

Why This is the Best Day of the College Basketball Season: All Things CW