The high-flying No. 17 Alabama Crimson Tide look to keep their six-game winning streak alive as they host the Mississippi State Bulldogs this Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, with the broadcast airing on ESPNU. Alabama (20-7, 10-4 SEC) currently leads the nation in scoring and is fighting for a top seed in both the SEC and NCAA Tournaments.
Alabama is currently a 14.5-point favorite, a line that reflects their dominance at home (11-3) and their earlier 97-82 victory over the Bulldogs in Starkville. Mississippi State (13-14, 5-9 SEC) enters as a heavy +725 underdog on the moneyline, facing an uphill battle against a Tide team that hasn’t lost in nearly a month. The over/under is set at a staggering 175.5, as oddsmakers expect another shootout between these two offensive-minded squads.
Mississippi State vs. Alabama Odds
Bettors should always make it a habit to check the latest college basketball odds before placing a wager as these lines can move based on late breaking news or heavy sharp action.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Mississippi State | +725 | +14.5 (-111) | O 175.5 (-110) |
| Alabama | -1414 | -14.5 (-112) | U 175.5 (-110) |
Mississippi State Betting Form
Mississippi State has proven they can hang with top-tier talent, most notably in their recent 91-85 upset of Auburn. However, the Bulldogs are coming off a tough 97-89 loss to South Carolina where defensive lapses proved costly. Josh Hubbard remains one of the most explosive scorers in the SEC, averaging 22.0 points per game. Hubbard is a threat to go off at any moment, recently dropping 46 points with a school-record 10 three-pointers.
The biggest question mark for the Bulldogs is the health of second-leading scorer Jayden Epps (14.2 PPG). Epps suffered a non-contact knee injury on Saturday, and while he avoided a season-ending tear, his status for tonight is questionable. If he cannot go, more pressure falls on Ja’Borri McGhee and Quincy Ballard to provide offensive support. You can track their latest situational trends via Mississippi State stats and results.
Keep a close eye on the Mississippi State injury report for Jayden Epps. His absence would significantly hinder the Bulldogs’ ability to keep pace with Alabama’s scoring output.
Alabama Betting Form
Alabama’s offense is currently a freight train with no brakes. Nate Oats has the Tide averaging 97.5 points over their last six games, leading the nation with a season average of 92.6 PPG. Labaron Philon Jr. (21.3 PPG) and Aden Holloway (16.9 PPG) form arguably the best backcourt duo in the country. Holloway has been particularly impressive lately, balancing his scoring with high-level defensive play that coach Oats praised after their 90-83 win at LSU.
The Tide’s depth is their greatest weapon. Whether it’s Aiden Sherrell dominating the glass (10 rebounds vs. LSU) or Amari Allen providing a versatile presence, Alabama forces teams to defend every inch of the floor. They are 16-3 as favorites this year and have won the last nine meetings against Mississippi State. For more detailed insights into their record against the spread, visit the Alabama schedule and stats.
Mississippi State vs. Alabama Matchup Breakdown
This game will be decided by whether Mississippi State can survive Alabama’s initial barrage. In their first meeting, Alabama turned a 14-point deficit into a comfortable 15-point win, proving that no lead is safe against their pace. The Tide hit 12.6 three-pointers per game, and if they find their rhythm early at Coleman Coliseum, this could get out of hand quickly.
Mississippi State needs a monster performance from Josh Hubbard and a high-efficiency night from Quincy Ballard in the paint to stay within the 14.5-point cushion. The Bulldogs rank 53rd nationally in field goal attempts, meaning they aren’t afraid to trade buckets, but they must limit turnovers (currently averaging 10.8) to prevent Alabama from getting easy transition points.
- Alabama Offense: 92.6 PPG (1st in NCAA)
- Mississippi State Offense: 78.3 PPG (Led by Hubbard’s 22.0 PPG)
- 3-Point Shooting: Alabama makes 12.6 per game (5th in NCAA)
- Series History: Alabama has won 9 straight matchups vs. MSU
Mississippi State vs. Alabama Predictions and Best Bets
While 14.5 points is a massive spread for a conference game, Alabama’s offense is playing at a level few can match. If Jayden Epps is sidelined or limited, the Bulldogs lose a vital secondary scoring option, making it easier for Nate Oats to focus the defense on Hubbard. Our model projects a 94-78 victory for Alabama, which would cover the double-digit spread.
Regarding the total, 175.5 is one of the highest lines we’ve seen all season. While both teams can fill it up, the Under might be the move here. Alabama’s defensive intensity has improved (highlighted by Holloway’s recent play), and a potential Epps absence could lower the Bulldogs’ offensive ceiling just enough to stay under this gargantuan number.
Best Bet: Alabama -14.5 (-112)
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
For more in-depth analysis on tonight’s SEC slate, check out today’s college basketball picks. We offer a variety of perspectives from the industry’s most respected voices to help you find an edge.
Visit our handicapper leaderboard to see which pros are currently on a hot streak with SEC totals or favorites. You can also buy expert picks to gain access to premium NCAAB picks that aren’t available to the general public.




