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Alabama Basketball: Tide readies for tough matchup against Tennessee

By Mike Parham

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Head coach Avery Johnson of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the first half of the college basketball game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on December 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Head coach Avery Johnson of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the first half of the college basketball game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on December 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Alabama basketball team is about to take on one of the hottest teams in the country, Tennessee, in a much anticipated SEC matchup

The Alabama basketball team is getting ready to take on a Tennessee team that is playing better than any team in the SEC.  The Volunteers (18-5) will come into Coleman Coliseum riding a six-game win streak. Included in that win streak, is a win over the No. 24 Kentucky Wildcats in Rupp Arena on Tuesday.

The Crimson Tide (15-9), on the other hand, have been very inconsistent lately, to say the least.  Alabama basketball notched wins over No. 8 Auburn, No. 17 Oklahoma and Florida, but followed with losses to Ole Miss, Missouri and Mississippi State.

It seems Alabama only shows up against teams that are ranked but plays down to those that aren’t.  At least that’s what fans should be hoping against the Vols.

As stated before, the Vols are coming off of an impressive win in Rupp Arena which isn’t an easy task.  Now, Coleman Coliseum is no Rupp Arena, but we have seen Tide fans create a hostile environment. Coleman was a very unfriendly environment for the Sooners.

Alabama needs that same type of turnout against Tennessee.  However, the fans are only a fraction of what needs to happen right for the Tide.  First off, they MUST find some consistency on the offensive end.

In their loses, Alabama has had some key role players go completely ghost, sometimes not scoring at all.  This must change, not only against Tennessee but for the crucial conference stretch that’s coming up.

Keys to Victory Against the Vols

Contain Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield

–         Tennessee doesn’t have a clear offensive leader, but they get most of their offense from these two.  Disrupt them and the chances at victory greatly increase.

Attack the rim

–         Tennessee has one shot blocker, Kyle Alexander, who only averages 20.8 minutes of playing time.

Two players not named Collin Sexton or Donta Hall must score in double-figures

–         This is beating a dead horse, but Alabama has to find a consistent third and fourth scoring option.

Fresh legs must take advantage of Tennessee rotation

–         Tennessee plays seven players 20-plus minutes per game and no one else averages more than nine.  This means that Alabama players have to get out and run against a team that doesn’t utilize many players.

Next: Alabama Softball Begins Season With 1-0 Win Over South Alabama

The game tips off at 5 PM CST on the SEC Network. After the Vols, Alabama basketball plays LSU, next Tuesday in Tuscaloosa.

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