No. 14 Alabama vs South Dakota State: preview, TV schedule

Game Preview: No. 14 Alabama vs South Dakota State

When: Friday, November 12 at 8:00 pm ET on SEC Network+/ESPN+

Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL

After an impressive season-opening win on Tuesday night over Louisiana Tech, the Crimson Tide welcome yet another tough opponent to Coleman Coliseum in Summit League power South Dakota State.

No. 14 ranked Alabama opened the 2021-22 season with a convincing 93-64 win on Tuesday night over Louisiana Tech, one of the more-impressive opening night wins in all of college basketball. A game in which the Crimson Tide never trailed, Alabama shot an impressive 50% from the field, as well as going 13-for-33 from deep (39.4%) with five players in double-figures.

The Crimson Tide’s deep backcourt certainly impressed in the contest, in-particular senior Keon Ellis who led Alabama with 19 points, while also collecting nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. A popular breakout candidate in the SEC this season, Ellis certainly flashed just how impactful he will be for the Crimson Tide, as well as forward Juwan Gary who posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

South Dakota State also started the 2021-22 campaign out with a win as the Jackrabbits picked up a 81-65 home win on Tuesday over Bradley. Holding a 21-point lead entering halftime, the Jackrabbits shot an impressive 45% from three (9/20), as well as making 28-of-29 free throws attempted.

One of the top teams in the Summit League, South Dakota State sports a talented roster that returned all five of their top leading scorers from a year ago, a group that averaged a combined 68.9 PPG (85% of South Dakota State’s scoring last season). Among this group, Noah Freidel, Baylor Scheierman, and Alex Arians all play pivotal roles in the backcourt, while Douglas Wilson and Matt Dentlinger anchor the frontcourt.

Each of South Dakota State’s guards are excellent long-range shooters, and it will be key in this contest for Alabama to be strong defensively around the perimeter. In addition, Alabama will have a clear size advantage inside, and will need players such as Bediako, Gurley, and others to capitalize and control the boards.

This is yet another tough test for the Crimson Tide to start the season, and is one that will stick-out on Alabama’s resume come March should they win. This game has the potential to be close at-times, as well as potentially high-scoring, but if Alabama plays the way they did against Louisiana Tech, the Crimson Tide should cruise to win No. 2.

Prediction: Alabama 83, South Dakota State 68