Alabama Basketball: Tide enters crucial six-game stretch to finish season

It’s a season full of ups. Downs. And in-betweens for Alabama basketball, as they head towards a pivotal stretch at the end of the regular season.

Last week, the Crimson Tide knocked off then-ranked No. 25 LSU, 88-82 securing its second win in conference play over a ranked opponent. It finished the week 1-1, losing days earlier to then-ranked No. 11 Auburn in overtime 95-91. But despite splitting games, Alabama Basketball’s performance caught people’s attention.

Junior forward Herbert Jones, who had missed three games with a fractured left wrist, wearing a cast, finished with 17 rebounds, two blocks and a steal against LSU. With under two minutes remaining, Jones put the final touches on his career night. Two made free throws, shot with just his right hand.

Following the pair of games, sophomore guard Kira Lewis Jr. was named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week. Freshman guard Jaden Shackelford received SEC Freshman of the Week and was also named the National Freshman of the Week by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA).

Alabama (14-11, 6-6 SEC) got a much-needed win. One that helps them, but also does them no favors. The Crimson Tide dropped one spot in the NET Rankings, from No. 35 to No. 36. LSU dropped. And because Auburn lost its next game after beating the Crimson Tide, they dropped.

But ignore the NET rankings, according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, Alabama, Indiana, Mississippi State and Richmond are the first-four out. With six games remaining on Alabama’s schedule, they will be favored in five, with Mississippi State being the exception.

Alabama will face Mississippi State Feb. 25 in Starkville. And with both teams on the bubble, it’s the most crucial game remaining for the Crimson Tide. According to Team Rankings’ Bracketology, Alabama has a 91.5 percent chance to make the NCAA tournament, an 84.6 percent chance to receive an at-large bid and a 6.8 percent chance to earn an auto-bid.

With three home games left, the Crimson Tide needs to capitalize on the crowd energy. And with three road games remaining holding a (3-6) away record, it’s significant Alabama finds a way to win.

Beating Mississippi State would earn a Quadrant one win. Then, against South Carolina, who even though has been inconsistent at times, has a win against Kentucky.

The opportunities are there. Can Alabama finish strong?

The lucky number to reach the NCAA tournament has been 18 wins. Earning four puts them at that number. But, if the Crimson Tide can win five or six, they will sit comfortably entering the SEC tournament in Nashville, March. 11-15.

How they finish the season starts against Texas A&M (12-12, 6-6 SEC) on Wednesday — entering the game as an 11.5 point favorite, Alabama must perform well.

Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET.