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Crimson Tide look to bounce back vs. Alabama State

Dec 9, 2006 - 4:03 PM Alabama St (2-4) at No. 5 Alabama (7-1) 7:00 pm EST

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (Ticker) -- Alabama will look to bounce back from its first loss of the season when it takes on an in-state rival.

Two days after an upset loss, the fifth-ranked Crimson Tide will host Alabama State on Saturday.

After winning its first seven contests and receiving a lofty national ranking, Alabama dropped a 99-85 decision at Notre Dame on Thursday. Alonzo Gee scored 24 points and Mykal Riley chipped in 18 for the Crimson Tide, who shot 43 percent (29-of-66) and have dropped three of four in the series.

Preseason All-American Ronald Steele netted only 13 points for Alabama, which struggled defensively. The Crimson Tide, who used a stout defense to propel themselves to a stellar start, allowed season highs in points, field-goal percentage (51.6) and 3-point percentage (42.9) against the Fighting Irish.

After starting the campaign with two wins in three contests, the Hornets have lost two straight road games, including a 71-45 decision at Santa Clara.

Alabama has won all six meetings between the schools. It doesn't look to get much easier for the Hornets, who have lost their last 12 games to ranked opponents.