No. 6 Alabama vs Davidson: preview, TV schedule

Game Preview: No. 6 Alabama vs Davidson

When: Tuesday, December 21 at 7:00 pm ET on SEC Network+

Location: Legacy Arena at BJCC, Birmingham, AL

After the previously scheduled game against Colorado State was cancelled, Alabama now faces Davidson on Tuesday night in Birmingham in the C.M. Newton Classic.

The Crimson Tide come into this contest off a 65-59 win at home over Jacksonville State on Saturday night, a game that was back-and-fourth for a majority of the contest. Despite struggling at times offensively against the Gamecocks, Alabama was able to take the lead mid-way through the second half, partly due to a big performance from guard Keon Ellis (20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists).

Sitting at 9-2 on the year, the Crimson Tide are ranked as the No. 6 team in the country, and are averaging 83.4 PPG while allowing 72.8 PPG to opponents. Joining the previously mentioned Ellis are guards Jaden Shackelford and Jahvon Quinerly who also average in double-figures, while sophomore guard Darius Miles is also coming off a strong game against Jacksonville State.

Davidson comes into this matchup as one of the hottest teams in the country having won seven straight, including a 74-54 win over Radford on Saturday. A game in which the Wildcats never trailed, Davidson forced 20 turnovers in the contest, while also shooting an impressive 55.1% from the field.

One of the top teams in the A-10, Davidson sits at 8-2 on the year, and are averaging 75.1 PPG offensively while allowing 63.5 PPG. Leading the Wildcats in scoring and rebounding is guard Hyunjung Lee (18.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG), while guards Foster Loyer and Mike Jones are also primary scorers shooting 40+% from three-point range each with forward Luka Brajkovic also a key scorer and rebounder in the paint.

While the previously scheduled game against Colorado State would’ve been a tough matchup for the Crimson Tide, it doesn’t get much easier against the Wildcats. Davidson is a very good three-point shooting team at a combined 41.6%, and while Alabama will be the Wildcats toughest opponent so far this season, Davidson is certainly capable of pulling the upset in what should-be a high-scoring game, but the Crimson Tide should pick up the win here.

Prediction: Alabama 85, Davidson 73