Mississippi State was eliminated during Friday’s quarterfinal round at the SEC Tournament by top-seeded and 5th-ranked Alabama, 85-48 at Bridgestone Arena. The Bulldogs (15-14) were led by Iverson Molinar’s 18 points, who has reached double figures in 12 of his last 13 games and in 23 of his 26 appearances on the season. The Crimson Tide (22-6) advances to face Tennessee during Saturday’s semifinal round.

Tolu Smith dialed up his 3rd consecutive game in double figures with 13 points. He knocked down 4-6 shot attempts and was 5-7 from the charity stripe.

Abdul Ado, one of the best stories in college athletics, finished with 6 points, 11 rebounds and equaled his season’s best 5 blocks. He currently sits 3rd in program history with 242 career blocks and 10th with 770 career rebounds.

A rough day for D.J. Stewart Jr., who was limited to a season-low 4 points coupled with 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. It marked only the 6th time that Stewart Jr. was held below double figures.

Mississippi State head basketball coach Ben Howland and players Abdul Ado and Iverson Molinar all spoke postgame about the tough loss. Video is courtesy of the SEC.

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