Corey Chest, who had a career-high 18 rebounds along with 12 points last game against Alabama, made an early statement against Auburn (19-1, 7-0). The redshirt freshman on the first offensive possession, challenged Broome in the paint and powered up for a two-hand dunk after rebounding his miss.

Alabama star Mark Sears returned to the starting lineup for the No. 4 Crimson Tide on Wednesday night in their road contest at No. 14 Mississippi State after he was benched for the entire second half in Saturday's win over LSU.

After his second-half benching against LSU, Mark Sears was back in Alabama basketball’s starting lineup at Mississippi State on Wednesday. The lineups were posted shortly before tip in Starkville. The move to return Sears to the court came after Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats said Tuesday that the Muscle Shoals native had an excellent few practices before the game.