A battle of the top-2 teams in the Southeastern Conference is set to take place in Columbia, MO on Saturday, as Missouri (12-3, 5-3) hosts the no. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide (15-4, 10-0) at 11 A.M.
The stakes are already high when the league’s two best teams clash, but it’s even bigger now that the calendar has turned to February, says Alabama head coach Nate Oats.
“It’s a big game. (Missouri) is in 2nd place behind us,” says Oats. “It’s the only time we play them. So, if any tiebreakers were to come up, the winner of this game will have them.”
After falling to Oklahoma in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge last Saturday, Alabama returned to SEC play to defeat LSU, 78-60 in front of the home crowd on Wednesday night. Five players ended with double-digit scoring nights, led by Jaden Shakelford’s 19 point performance.
Missouri enters the game winners of two straight after falling on the road at Auburn on January 26. It will also be their third straight contest played in Mizzou Arena. Most recently, the Tigers defeated Kentucky, 75-70. Dru Smith had an excellent night for Mizzou, scoring 26 points while adding seven rebounds.
Tip Time, Bet Line, How to Watch/Stream/Listen
Alabama Vs LsuTip-off: 11 A.M. CT on Saturday, February 6
Television/Streaming: ESPN/ ESPN app (Karl Ravich, Jimmy Dykes)
Radio: Crimson Tide Sports Network/ Tunein app (Chris Stewart, Bryan Passink, Roger Hoover)
Bet Line from BetMGM: Alabama -2.5
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Getting to know Missouri
Record: 12-3, 5-3 SEC
Last Game: W, 75-70 vs. Kentucky (Wednesday)
Key SEC win: Arkansas (January 2)
Top scorer: Xavier Pinson (15.1 ppg)
Top rebounder: Jeremiah Tillman (7.9 rpg)
Top assists: Xavier Pinson (51 total)
Top steals: Dru Smith (27 total)
Keys to Game
Both teams enter with four players scoring double-digits per game, so it will come down to who gets more “creative” on offense. Alabama has more true three-point shooters than Missouri, which could come in handy if the game is close.
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