In an exciting showdown, No. 1 ranked Arizona (8-0) is set to face off against No. 12 Alabama (7-2) at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and on 1290-AM radio.
The probable starters for Arizona include Jaden Bradley (6-3, senior), Brayden Burries (6-4, freshman), Ivan Kharchenkov (6-7, freshman), Koa Peat (6-8, freshman), and Motiejus Krivas (7-2, junior). Key reserves for the Wildcats are Anthony Dell’Orso (6-6, senior), Tobe Awaka (6-8, senior), and Dwayne Aristode (6-8, freshman).
Alabama will start with Labaron Philon (6-4, sophomore), Latrell Wrightsell (6-3, senior), Houston Mallette (6-5, senior), Amari Allen (6-8, freshman), and Aiden Sherrell (6-11, sophomore) on the court. The key reserves for the Crimson Tide include Jalil Bethea (6-5, sophomore), Taylor Bol Bowen (6-10, junior), Davion Hannah (6-6, freshman), and London Jemison (6-8, freshman).
Historically, the series between Arizona and Alabama shows a competitive edge with Arizona winning 2 out of the last 5 encounters. The most recent match saw Arizona emerge victorious with an 87-74 win in Phoenix on December 20, 2023, as part of a two-game, semi-neutral series beginning this season.
Under the guidance of head coach Nate Oats, Alabama has adjusted well after losing four starters from a team that previously reached the Elite Eight. Point guard Labaron Philon’s last-minute withdrawal from the NBA draft has invigorated the squad, and his shooting skills are a key component of Alabama’s high-paced offense. They have adopted an aggressive style that favors a significant number of three-point attempts, while displaying efficiency with a 62.9% success rate on two-point shots—ranking ninth nationally.
Defensively, Alabama is challenged by allowing opponents to shoot 48.5% from two but compensates by blocking 14.1% of shots. The presence of center Aiden Sherrell enhances their defensive capabilities as he is known for blocking 11.9% of opposing two-point attempts.
Arizona’s head coach Tommy Lloyd expressed the challenges of defending against Alabama’s varied offensive threats, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded defensive strategy to counter their approach. As both teams bring their strengths to the floor, the matchup promises to be high energy and competitive.
As a fun tidbit, the venue has historical significance for Arizona basketball, as it commemorates the site where Arizona won their 1997 national championship run, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination. Additionally, coach Lloyd shared a light-hearted personal moment from practice, revealing that his young grandson has become a new addition to the Arizona basketball family.
With both teams eager to solidify their standings, Saturday’s game is bound to be a thrilling display of college basketball talent and tenacity, making it a must-watch for fans and enthusiasts alike.