Alabama Basketball: Non-Conference Games Help/Hurt Tourney Chances
By Mike Parham
With some good wins, a blowout, and one questionable loss, the non-conference strength of schedule could prove to be huge for Alabama basketball
When Avery Johnson took over for the Alabama basketball team he said he wanted to play the best. Well, this season he is definitely keeping his word.
The Tide have played one of the toughest schedules in the country this season with varying results. There have undoubtedly been some bumps in the road for this young Alabama basketball team this season.
Bumps that have some fans wondering whether the Tide will make the field of 68 or settle for another shot at the NIT.
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Conference play is right around the corner, so, let’s see how the Tide’s non-conference wins and loses could help or hurt their tourney chances.
*Record and RPI Rankings as of December 26*
(9-3) Memphis (RPI 169)
The Alabama versus Memphis matchup was the first game of the season and held at a neutral location. The Tide was able to come out on top with an 82-70 victory minus early foul trouble from basically the entire team.
Alabama gained the advantage from 3-point shooting. The Tide connected on 11 for 27 while Memphis was only able to go 2 for 17.
Although Memphis currently has an RPI of 169, this victory showcased the depth of Alabama basketball. The Tide were without Riley Norris, Collin Sexton, and Braxton Key but still managed a double-digit victory over a potential tournament team.
What does this game mean? Should Memphis win the AAC or make the tournament this victory would look good on the Tide’s resume. Should they not, it would mean nothing more than a first game tune-up.
(9-4) Lipscomb (RPI 24)
Usually when you hear the name Lipscomb it doesn’t raise any eyebrows in the basketball world. However, this year, a victory against the presumed champion of the Atlantic Sun holds some weight. Obviously, great for Alabama basketball.
In Collin Sexton’s season debut, the Tide were able to coast to a 22-point victory over Lipscomb. Alabama shot an amazing 60 percent from the floor and scored 50 of their 86 points in the paint.
The lone dark mark from this game was free-throw shooting, which has plagued Alabama basketball all season. The Tide shot an embarrassing 38 percent from the line.
What does this game mean? Sounds crazy but this is a win that will really help the Tide. With an RPI of 24 and a possible conference championship, a blowout-win against Lipscomb, while only shooting 38 percent from the line, is great for Alabama’s resume.
(0-13) Alabama A&M (RPI 338)
I was going to try and make an argument on how a 37-point win against a winless Alabama A&M team benefits the Tide, but I can’t. Nobody can, and I refuse to even try.
This game doesn’t mean anything for the Tide. It can’t really hurt, and it definitely doesn’t help.
The one thing that made this game exciting was the record-setting performance put on by John Petty. Petty hit a school record 10 3-pointers.
What does this game mean? Nothing. Zip. Zero. Nil. Not A Thing.