Alabama faces a make it or break it game today against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Tide looks to end a four-game losing streak in conference play. It is crucial for Alabama to rebound now, before things get too ugly in the future. Anthony Grant has been vocal about his team’s struggles and promises that change is to come. If Alabama can play to their game and play as a team, they could easily get a win at home. But, Arkansas comes into Tuscaloosa on a bit of a hot streak after upsetting Michigan last week on national television.
Arkansas comes averaging 74.6 points per game. If Alabama wants to run with the Razorbacks, they will have to slow down their scoring attack. Odds are favorable though; Arkansas puts up a lot of points, but they aren’t a very good shooting team.
The Tide has to force turnovers. Alabama needs turnovers to create easy baskets for their athletic players in transition. Over the last few games, Alabama has turned the ball over as many times or more than their opponent. They need to win the turnover battle. Alabama has proven that they can’t limit their turnovers, so they will have to lock down the passing lanes on defense.
Arkansas doesn’t have a powerful forward like most of the teams that Alabama has played during this losing streak. This is where Alabama can capitalize, paint defense will still be crucial for JaMychal Green, Nick Jacobs, and Tony Mitchell. Arkansas has some quick young guards that like to drive to the basket. The big men inside will have to stay strong and limit scoring inside.
During Anthony Grant’s short time at Alabama, he has emphasized being physical. When Alabama stops playing physical, they allow easy buckets. The Tide players might be a little timid to play physical today, especially those who have struggled with foul trouble over the losing streak. Players like JaMychal Green, Tony Mitchell, and Levi Randolph have to step up on the defensive side of the ball. Playing defense is all about the balance. Players have to know how to be physical, but not go too far.
Now, on to the offensive side of the ball. Alabama can’t afford to miss easy baskets. If you make a drive into the lane, you should come out with points. The Tide needs to make easy shots to allow the outside to open up. If you are missing layups and dunks, how do you expect a team to shoot well from outside? Transition offense has been a big time factor in Alabama’s victories and it should play a major role today.
Alabama can’t force outside shots, especially early in the shot clock. It is easy to understand that some forced shots will come at the end of the a possession. Alabama’s shooters just aren’t built to pull up in transition and make a three point basket. Trevor Lacey, Trevor Releford, and Tony Mitchell shoot much better on set plays. If Alabama can get some well designed screens on the outside, their shooing percentage will benefit.
Possession time is key in this game, even though it isn’t stressed in basketball, it will benefit Alabama to work the shot clock today against the Razorbacks. Set plays, especially directed into the inside should help setup Nick Jacobs and JaMychal Green for some great plays.
Success for the Crimson Tide inside could can come if JaMychal Green and Nick Jacobs work together. JaMychal has some great moves on the low post, including a great passing game. His passing game could be a great benefit for Nick Jacobs. Look for JaMychal Green to lead with his play and with his senior leadership.
Trevor Releford, the leader for the Tide on offense, has to step up in the first half. Over the past four games he hasn’t played his best in the first half. When Releford has scored double digits, all his points have come in the second half. He will be key for the Tide to pull out a win today vs. Arkansas.
Finally, Alabama has to work on team chemistry. This is something that Anthony Grant has stressed for his team. Tony Mitchell, JaMychal Green, and Andrew Steele have to be leaders. The younger players will feed off the actions of those three. When the Tide plays with enthusiasm and drive they will be hard to stop. Alabama is playing at home, they need to do a better job of working the crowd. Coleman Coliseum should be full today for the 12:30pm start!
Key Matchup
BJ Young vs. Trevor Releford. This should be a very interesting one to watch. BJ Young is the leading scorer for the Razorbacks at 14.6 points per game. But, Trevor Releford is a more defined point guard. Look for Young’s offensive play to be limited due to Releford’s great defensive attack. Trevor Releford is never afraid to make a drive to the basket, and today should be no different. BJ Young is a true freshman leading the Razorbacks, if he gets flustered it could get early fast. Look for Trevor Releford to capitalize on BJ Young’s mistakes on defense to benefit his offensive game.
This is a huge game for the Crimson Tide, due to the situation that they have put themselves in. Alabama has to rebound against the Hogs today, or their future might be grim. It is hard to think that the rest of your season relies on one game, but this very well could be that one game. If the Tide drops this one, it will be very hard to rebound off a five game losing streak.
Game Info
January 28, 2012 – 12:30pm CST
Coleman Coliseum (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)
SEC Network, streaming on ESPN3