In a thrilling matchup set for 7:00 p.m. CT at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Missouri Tigers (14-6, 4-3 SEC) will face the No. 23 Alabama Crimson Tide (13-6, 3-3 SEC). This game will be broadcast on the SEC Network and can be heard on the Tiger Radio Network, with ESPN giving Missouri a 19.7% chance of victory.
Missouri’s projected starters include guard T.O. Barrett, who has been making waves with his recent performance, scoring 21 points against Oklahoma in his first start. Other key players are Jayden Stone, Jacob Crews, Mark Mitchell, and Shawn Phillips, Jr. Notably, Mitchell had an explosive outing against Alabama last season, scoring 31 points, and Missouri will hope he can recreate that success.
On the other side of the court, Alabama is making headlines with the return of Charles Bediako, who played his first game in over a year against Tennessee. Bediako, who scored 13 points in 25 minutes, adds significant height and talent to the Tide. Despite this boost, Alabama’s roster has been tested; they have already faced challenges, including the loss of key players and injuries. Coach Nate Oats is eager to capitalize on their home-court advantage, having lost the last two home games.
Alabama’s offense is formidable, averaging 92.1 points per game. They have six players scoring in double digits, including standout guard Labaron Philon, who leads the team with 22.2 points per game. Aden Holloway is also expected to make a return, further enhancing their scoring capabilities.
For Missouri, they will focus on exploiting Alabama’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly from three-point range. Coach Dennis Gates emphasized the importance of toughness and maintaining composure against a crowd that may be energized by Alabama’s return to form.
With both teams battling for crucial SEC positioning, this game promises to be an exciting contest. Alabama aims to recover from recent losses and solidify their footing in the conference, while Mizzou seeks to extend their two-game winning streak and showcase their potential against a ranked opponent.
Predictions lean toward Alabama, but with Missouri’s recent performances, an upset is always a possibility in what is expected to be an electrifying evening of SEC basketball. While betting on history shows Missouri has struggled at the Coliseum, they have the talent to push for a competitive game, making this highly anticipated showdown a must-watch.