Alabama will head in to Rupp Saturday to take on the Cats at noon. UK will look to extend
their nation's leading home winning streak to 47 with a win over the Crimson Tide. Here is the preview of Alabama.
Series History
Kentucky holds a 101-36 win advantage over the Crimson Tide. The Cats won the last meeting during last year's SEC Tournament 72-58. UK has won the last 6 out of 7 against Alabama.
2011-2012 Season
Alabama comes into Rupp on a 2 game losing streak. They post a record of 13-5 (2-2). The Tide has some decent wins over VCU, Maryland, Purdue, and Georgia. Some of their losses include Kansas State, Georgetown, Mississippi State, and Dayton. They also lost at home last night to Vandy. Vandy's hot shooting put the Tide in an early hole that they could not climb out of.
Players to Watch
1. JaMychal Green - Alabama is led by their 6'8" forward in Green. He averages 13.7 points and 6.7 rebounds a game. Also he shoots 53.8% from the field and 71.6% from the line. Green is as physical of a player that there is in the SEC.
2. Tony Mitchell - Not to be out done by his inside counter part, Tony Mitchell averages 13.7 points and leads Bama in rebounding at 7.4 a game. He is a 30.8% three point shooter and shoots 60.0% from the line.
3. Trevor Releford - Bama's point guard duties rest on the shoulders of Releford. He 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He shoots 27.8% from three and 87.5% from the line.
4. Trevor Lacey - Lacey is a name that Cat fans should remember well. The former UK recruit averages 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He shoots 27.9% from three and 78.8% from the line.
5. Levi Randolph - The 6'5" freshman averages 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game. He shoots 21.6% from three and 63.0% from the line.
Team Stats
Alabama averages 66.3 points per game, but are only averaging 63.5 points in conference play. They shoot 46.0% from the field and shot 45% so far in SEC games. On the season they are 26.9% from the three, but come in to Rupp shooting 25.8% in the SEC action. The Tide average 35.8 rebounds per game, and are around that same pace in conference play. They are averaging 11.8 offensive rebounds in their conference games. In SEC play they are averaging 13.0 assists and 12.3 turnovers per game.
Prediction
I would say that Alabama would come into the game with a lot more effort since they are coming off of two straight losses. UK will have their hands full inside with Green, but should be able to weather the storm. Cats can not give up second chances or open looks at three. I know that Bama is woeful behind the arc, but they do not need to shoot lights out against the Cats. Kentucky wins 47 in a row at home. They will hold off the Tide in a tough game 73-64.
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