A rematch with significant implications in the SEC regular-season championship is set for Saturday night. The #4 Tennessee Volunteers (22-6, 12-3 SEC) travel to Tuscaloosa to take on #14 Alabama Crimson Tide (20-8, 12-3 SEC). The winner will claim sole possession of first place in the conference with just two games remaining in the regular season.
In their last meeting on Jan. 20, Tennessee dominated Alabama on their home court, 91-71. The Vols defense shut down the Crimson Tide’s offense, holding them to their lowest-scoring output of the season. Tennessee forced 22 turnovers, limited Alabama to a dismal 4-of-21 shooting from beyond the arc, and had 15 steals.
Alabama’s High Scoring Offense
Alabama averages a nation-leading 91.5 points per game. Their offense is led by SEC Player of the Year candidate: Mark Sears. The Crimson Tide’s dynamic duo of Sears and Aaron Estrada, account for over 4 APG each and combine for nearly 35 points per game.
Tennessee’s Balanced Attack
The Volunteers are led by SEC Player of the Year candidate, guard Dalton Knecht, He leads the conference with 20.8 PPG. In Tennessee’s last outing against Auburn, on Wednesday, Knecht exploded for a game-high 39 points. 27 of his points came in the second half, as Tennessee ran away with the win.
Defensive prowess Jonas Aidoo averages nearly 2 BPG plus 7.6 RPG. Zakai Zeigler adds 11.1 PPG and 5.9 APG.
Matchup Intangibles
The Vols are currently ranked fourth in the nation. This would usually mean a one-seed in March Madness. They have never been a top seed in the NCAA tourney in team history. This game is the first against three ranked opponents in March. Will the pressure be too much?
Home-Court Advantage
Alabama is 13-1 at home this season.
Recent matchups
Tennessee has taken the last two meetings, including the 20-point win in January. But they were in Knoxville. Alabama won the last in Tuscaloosa, 73-68.
Prediction
The Tide will be motivated by revenge and first place in the conference. The two best players in the conference will be on full display. Tennessee will look to repeat their defensive dominance from their last meeting. Alabama proves their offensive firepower and secures the home victory.
Final Score: Alabama 91, Tennessee 86
Thank you for reading my NCAA SEC First Place Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers article. Our website is your premier destination for all things related to college basketball and more. Head to my Belly Up Sports Page and follow me on Twitter/X. For NCAA and all other sports articles go to Belly Up Sports. Featured image credit Eakin Howard/Getty Images.
