Alabama Basketball: A pivotal 3-game stretch for Tide
By Dakota Cox
It’s now or never for Alabama basketball
Heading into the season, Alabama basketball had high hopes. They were a ranked team with a tough schedule, but they defied the odds and upset multiple teams to boost their stature in the eyes of the country. Statement wins against Gonzaga, Houston and Tennessee went a long way for the Tide.
However, the Tide have dropped since then. They went on a three-game losing streak in SEC play. A win against LSU seemed to right the ship, but a recent loss against Georgia lowered the floor of this team dramatically. Even in the wins, Alabama basketball has struggled to pull away and win convincingly.
Thankfully, the early wins are keeping Alabama basketball above water. If they turn things around, they will still have a solid resume for the postseason. However, they also have the toughest three-game stretch imaginable this late in the year.
It starts at home against Baylor. Baylor was previously ranked the best team in the country, and they’re still seen as one of the best in college basketball. The reigning champions found a way to reload the roster without taking a step back, and they’ll be looking for a dominant win against the Crimson Tide.
After that, Alabama has to play at Auburn. Auburn is the top-ranked team in college basketball and already beat the Tide in Coleman. With so much momentum, it will be a challenge to keep that game close.
After that, Alabama plays at home again vs. Kentucky. The blue-blood Wildcats have a loaded roster, and they’ve earned the right to be considered one of the best teams in the SEC.
This three-game stretch will determine Alabama basketball’s future. If they somehow win out, they would automatically be back in the conversation as one of the best teams in college basketball. If they were to lose out, they’d be out of the SEC title race with their backs against the wall.
Next. Tide LB transfers to USC. dark
The Tide need at least one win over these three games, and two would be fantastic. Thankfully, Alabama has a reputation for playing up to the competition. We’ll see if they can turn things around.