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Alabama Basketball: Tide Looks to Add to Kentucky’s Losing Streak

By Mike Parham

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 10: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team in the game against the Ole Miss Rebels during the second round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 10: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team in the game against the Ole Miss Rebels during the second round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Alabama basketball team will try to capitalize on a free-falling Kentucky Wildcat team in Rupp Arena

 The Kentucky Wildcats (17-9) will be looking to stop a four-game skid when the Alabama basketball team comes to visit.  In a complete role reversal, Alabama (17-9) is the team that looks tourney bound, while Kentucky is a team that’s struggling.

Both teams come into this matchup with similar records, but it is Alabama who has all the momentum.  Alabama also has the better conference record at (8-5), while Kentucky only sits at (6-7).

The Tide have been trending upwards lately and it’s looking like they are finally starting to gel.  They have gotten consistent play from role players and have done a great job sharing the basketball.

Donta Hall has led the Tide in scoring in their past two games scoring 17 and 20 points.  Alabama has also averaged 16 assists in their last two contests, usually an area of concern for the Tide.

Kentucky, on the other hand, has been skidding out of control lately.  The Wildcats have gone from feared in the SEC to a team that everyone wants to play.

In their last contest against Auburn, Kentucky had eight turnovers in the first-half due to full-court Auburn pressure.  This is good news for the Tide, who have forced their share of turnovers with the 2-2-1 press.

Kentucky’s problems seem to stem from the lack of leadership and a player that can elevate the play of his teammates.  When in need of offense, the ball goes to only two players, Kevin Knox or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.  That limited distribution makes it easier for opponents to defend.

Alabama is coming off two double-digit conference victories, in which they never trailed. Kentucky has lost 4 straight, but ESPN’s BPI is only giving the Tide a 32.2 percent chance to beat the Wildcats.

That may bode well for the Tide who seem to play exceptionally better when they are considered the underdogs.

Alabama Keys to Victory

Slow Down Kevin Knox

–         Kentucky forward Kevin Knox is the leading scorer for the Wildcats and usually has to pull them out of deficits.  Containing him usually means victory for opponents.  Using longer players like Braxton Key and Herbert Jones may be the solution.

Pressure the Wildcats

–         The Wildcats are careless with the basketball and don’t do well with pressure.  Throwing out the 2-2-1 press can keep Kentucky out of rhythm.

Continue to Share the Basketball

–         Alabama has been dominant when sharing the basketball and even more unstoppable when Donta Hall has a good game.  Getting four players in double figures again along with 15 or more assists can almost guarantee a Tide victory.

Next: Alabama Basketball: A little history of the Tide and the Cats in Lexington

Alabama faces off against Kentucky in Rupp Arena at 1 PM CST on CBS. Another road trip follows Kentucky with a trip to Auburn next week. Sadly, the Iron Bowl trophy must be presented to the Tigers at the game.

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