STARKVILLE, Miss. — Chris Youngblood had a season-high 23 points, including two free throws with 10.9 seconds remaining, to lead No. 4 Alabama to an 88-84 win over No. 14 Mississippi State on Wednesday night. Youngblood made a career-best seven 3 pointers while Alabama made 15 of 31 from beyond the arc.

No. 4 Alabama men's basketball took down No. 14 Mississippi State 88-84 in a thriller on the road. Unlike most of Alabama's wins, this one was close throughout as the Bulldogs never allowed the Crimson Tide to truly pull away.

Mississippi State had its chances, but it couldn't keep up with the Alabama offense in an 88-84 Tide victory.

Led by Chris Youngblood, the Alabama Crimson Tide might have earned their most impressive win to date this season Wednesday night in Starkville.

SportsLine's model simulated Wednesday's Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Alabama Crimson Tide college basketball matchup 10,000 times

The Alabama Crimson Tide picked up an impressive road win Wednesday night, defeating Mississippi State in Starkville by a final score of 88-84.

Mark Sears was benched over the weekend against LSU, but he bounced back nicely against Mississippi State.

Alabama (18-3, 7-1 SEC) made 15 of 31 shots from behind the arc for a season-best 48.4 shooting percentage on 3-point shots. Its previous high was 44.4% against UNC Asheville (8-for-18) while the 15 made shots is second best behind the 19 (on 55 attempts) against South Dakota State.

Alabama star Mark Sears returned to the starting lineup and helped lead the No. 4 Crimson Tide to an 88-84 win at No. 14 Mississippi State on Wednesday night after he was benched for the entire second half in Saturday's win over LSU.

Alabama made 15 3-pointers on Wednesday night in Starkville to pick up a close win over Mississippi State in a top-15 SEC showdown.

Alabama and Mississippi State will play a Top 15 matchup in men's basketball on Wednesday night. Learn how you can watch the game for free today.