Miller scores 18 as No. 4 Alabama cruises at SEC quarters

By MARK MCGEE The Associated Press

Alabama coach Nate Oats gets tangled with a referee while shouting to players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State in the third round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 10, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Amis]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Brandon Miller had 18 points and nine rebounds and No. 4 Alabama never trailed in posting a 72-49 victory over Mississippi State in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Friday.The top-seeded Crimson Tide (27-5) set the pace in the first half hitting eight-of-20 shots from long range. Charles Bediako and Noah Gurley added 11 points apiece for Alabama, and Jahvon Quinerly scored 10. Alabama will play either No. 17 Tennessee or No. 25 Missouri in the semifinal on Saturday.

Alabama players huddle before an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Friday, March 10, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Amis

CORRECTS THE PLAYER AT LEFT TO MISSISSIPPI STATE FORWARD DJ JEFFRIES AND NOT ARKANSAS GUARD ANTHONY BLACK - Alabama forward Brandon Miller (24) fends off defense by Mississippi State forward DJ Jeffries (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the third round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Friday, March 10, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Amis

Alabama forward Brandon Miller (24) is congratulated by coach Nate Oats as he is taken out in the closing moments of the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Friday, March 10, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Alabama won 72-49. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Amis