The Alabama men’s basketball team will play its first conference home game on Tuesday night. The Crimson Tide will host a streaky, South Carolina squad. The Gamecocks come into their second conference contest with a 13-1 overall record and a 1-0 conference record.
Gamecocks head coach Lamont Paris has assembled a well-rounded squad of transfers and key returners. The Gamecocks are poised to make some noise in the SEC this season.
South Carolina is led by junior guard Meechie Johnson and Wofford graudate transfer B.J. Mack. The two combine to average 31.6 points per game and shoot 44% from the field.
If Alabama can limit South Carolina’s production from the floor, it will make things a lot easier. The only thing is that no one has been able to truly limit the Gamecocks duo for the entirety of the season. Alabama will look to be the first on Tuesday night inside Coleman Coliseum.
Alabama has won three straight games. Nate Oats’ squad has a lot of potential and is working effortlessly to tap into that potential. With students returning to campus this week for the start of the spring semester, one would expect the arena to be sold out.
The Tide is led by seniors Aaron Estrada and Mark Sears. The two have virtually carried the Crimson Tide on the offensive end this season and will look to continue that trend against South Carolina.
With Alabama having the home court and desperate for a big-time win, I will take Alabama winning by a final score of 77-66.