TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama Crimson Tide are set to face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks for their 25th game of the regular season and 12th SEC matchup on February 14 at Coleman Coliseum.
Currently ranked ninth in the SEC standings, Alabama is in urgent need of wins to bolster their seeding for the upcoming conference tournament. Last week, they achieved a narrow victory over Texas A&M and a hard-fought win against Auburn, securing those crucial points. Despite this, the Crimson Tide remain outside of the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll, the former showing Alabama as the top team outside the rankings.
In a strong response to their ranking snub, Alabama delivered an impressive blowout win against Ole Miss just days prior, eager to extend their winning streak against South Carolina. The matchup promises to be electric as Alabama looks to build momentum ahead of the tournament.
As the game began, Alabama’s performance was highlighted by a potent offensive display. By halftime, they led South Carolina 45-32, driven by contributions from six players, each scoring between 6-9 points, with Labaron Philon taking the lead. The Crimson Tide exhibited a sharp shooting night, hitting 53 percent of their three-pointers. They were also dominant on the boards, out-rebounding the Gamecocks 22-12.
However, the game wasn’t without its challenges; Alabama’s Aiden Sherrell left the court for medical attention just before halftime. His status will be one to monitor as the match progresses.
Alabama maintained effective offensive runs throughout the first half, including an 8-0 streak that showcased their shooting prowess, particularly from beyond the arc. Jalil Bethea made notable contributions with drives to the rim, proving to be a valuable asset off the bench.
In terms of player availability, Alabama will face South Carolina without Taylor Bowen, who is sidelined, along with a few others dealing with long-term injuries. South Carolina, on the other hand, will have all players available, looking to take advantage of Alabama’s vulnerabilities.
The contest promises to be a showcase of skill and strategy as Alabama plans to continue its home dominance, having previously held a record of 20-2 at home against the Gamecocks. The last time these two teams met, Alabama won decisively, setting the stage for another anticipated showdown.
Follow live updates as the Crimson Tide step onto the court, aiming to build on their recent success and remind the nation of their capabilities. With momentum on their side, hope remains high for Alabama as they pursue not just a win, but a stronger position in the SEC standings heading into the final stretch of the regular season.