Oats Explains How Tide Won in Starkville

After his Alabama basketball team beat Mississippi State 82-74 in Stark-Vegas, Tide coach Nate Oats met the media. Here's what he said about the SEC road win that got his team to 11-5, 3-0 SEC.

Opening Statement

"It's a tough place to get a win. It's one of the tougher teams.

"For us to come in here and get a big win, we had some guys step up.

"Grant Nelson's defense on Tolu Smith was tremendous. Lot of positives."

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On the Keys to Winning in Starkville

"Grant ends up with three blocks. Made some tough plays inside. He was able to do it without fouling much. Grant showed he can be a five for us.

"Rylan Griffin got downhill.

"When we needed stops, we were able to get them.

"We had 16 more blue collar points than they did.

"I thought we played harder than a hard-playing team. I challenged them to do that."

On the confidence level.

"It's coming." I want it to come on the defensive end. That's starting to come.

"The defense is going to have to carry you. Our defense was better tonight than it's been."

On the guards

"We've got one of the deepest and best backcourts in the ountry.

"Rylan Griffen is an unbelievable teammate. Super unselfish. He's trying to win."

On Mo Wague

"He went through the walk through and felt good so we let him go. Pringle was in foul trouble and we needed him and he was big for us."

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