No. 6 Alabama holds off Mississippi State 64-59 to win SEC

Alabama head coach Nate Oates speaks to his players during a time out during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State guard Deivon Smith (5) shoots past a block attempt by Alabama guard John Petty Jr. (23) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State guard Iverson Molinar (1) has the ball stripped away by Alabama guard Keon Ellis (14) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State forward Tolu Smith, right, works against Alabama forwards Herbert Jones (1) and Jordan Bruner (2) for a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State forward Abdul Ado (24) shoots a basket over Alabama defenders, including forward Alex Reese (3) and guard Keon Ellis (14), during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Alabama guard Jahvon Quinerly (13) dribbles past Mississippi State guard Iverson Molinar (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi State guard D.J. Stewart Jr. (3) shoots while Alabama forward Jordan Bruner (2) watches during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)