Alabama freshman Braxton Key has sparked the Crimson Tide fast start in conference play this year and his most recent week has earned him SEC honors. 

The Charlotte native averaged 22.5 points and nine rebounds this week in wins over Georgia and Mississippi State. His 26 points in the 80-60 road win at Athens set a new career high for Key.

For the season, the freshman leads Alabama in scoring (11.9 ppg) and rebounding (6.0 rpg) and ranks second on the team in assists. Since SEC play began on January 3, Key's increased those averages to 15.1 ppg and 7.5 rpg. He's helped Alabama win six of its first eight conference games, which has moved Alabama just one game back of SEC leaders Kentucky and South Carolina.

Alabama's next game is Wednesday night at Arkansas, and it's a chance for the Crimson Tide to pick up a crucial road win over an RPI top 50 opponent. That game can be heard on 95.3 the Bear in Tuscaloosa.

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