KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After the Crimson Tide hit a rough patch in the wake of a loss to Auburn, Nate Oats used last year’s home loss to Tennessee as an example for Alabama basketball.
Alabama (23-5, 12-3 SEC) had already fallen in Thompson-Boling Arena earlier in the season, marking the program’s second straight loss in Knoxville.
With No. 3 Florida on deck after the No. 5 Volunteers, the Crimson Tide is out to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself. Even if it did, back-to-back defeats from Tennessee (23-5, 10-5 SEC) and the Gators ultimately helped inspire a run to the Final Four.
Here’s what to know as No. 6 Alabama faces Rick Barnes and company in ol’ Rocky Top.
The Crimson Tide went into the locker room up, 42-38, after a dominant first half of offense. Led by 12 points for Mark Sears, Alabama finished the first 20 minutes shooting 53.6% from the floor as Tennessee’s offense was limited to 38%.
Four boards from Grant Nelson, accompanied by three each for Mo Dioubate and Cliff Omoruyi, saw Tennessee out-rebounded 19-18 in the first half.
Under two minutes stand on the clock and Alabama, 3-for-9 from the perimeter so far, held Tennessee scoreless for nearly three minutes while putting together a 10-0 run in 2:35, highlighted by back-to-back baskets for the UA forward Nelson. He As a result, the Crimson Tide took a 39-33 lead.
Ten minutes trickle down to halftime and a drought has struck Alabama, which was scoreless for the last 2:45 before Cliff Omoruyi made a trip to the foul line. Tennessee’s Jordan Gainey and Felix Okpara scored baskets to stay on top of the Crimson Tide, down 22-19 in the first period.
Freshman Labaron Philon’s came in clutch from the top of the key for three to swipe the lead back from Tennessee, trailing 14-11 with 13:55 left in the first half.
A quick start for the Volunteers didn’t discourage the Crimson Tide, which took a 9-7 lead with a layup from the All-American Sears with 16:01 to halftime.
Alabama returns its usual starting five in Labaron Philon, Mark Sears, Chris Youngblood, Grant Nelson and Cliff Omoruyi.
Tennessee starts guards Chaz Lanier, Zakai Zeigler, Jahmai Mashack, forward Igor Milicic Jr. and center Felix Okpara.
Date: Saturday, Mar. 1
Time: 3 p.m. CT
Location: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN
The Crimson Tide and the Volunteers will tip off on ESPN.
The Alabama-Tennessee broadcast can be streamed through ESPN+ and Fubo starting at 3 p.m. CT.
Here are the game lines and odds from SportsLine as of Friday
Freshman forward Derrion Reid (hamstring), Houston Mallette (knees) and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (Achilles tendon) remain on the bench for Alabama. Mark Sears (undisclosed) was also listed as probable on the Friday availability report.
Tennessee’s JP Estrella is out for the season with a left foot injury.
Alabama got back on track when it completed the season sweep against Kentucky and built on the momentum with a win over Mississippi State. Here are the latest headlines surrounding the Crimson Tide before the final week of the regular-season:
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
