Once Upon A Time In Las Vegas – Divisional Round
The Alabama Crimson Tide plays host to the Missouri Tigers in an intriguing SEC showdown on Saturday night from Mizzou Arena. Both of these teams look like likely NCAA Tournament teams at this point, though Alabam has their eyes on a one-seed and extending their seven-game winning streak. For Missouri, a win the last time out against their rival helped to halt a two-game losing streak in their own right. The two split last year's series and with Missouri having won three of the last four overall, the Crimson Tide will have their eyes on setting the tone in the first meeting this season.
Alabama is off to a hot start this season and with an undefeated record in SEC play, will want to keep their foot on the gas as they hit the road in this one. Their only two losses this season have come to Gonzaga and UConn, while wins on the road already against Arkansas and Mississippi State, as well as the home win against Kentucky, have turned heads. As of this weekend, Alabama looks every part of a one-seed come March, though winning road games like this one would only help cement this. Alabama is yet to lose a true road game this season, though playing at Missouri has been a struggle for this group over the years. The recent struggles should serve to motivate them even more in the first meeting this season.
One concern is how this group handles their first game after the arrest of Darius Miles, who was charged with capital murder over the weekend. While his on-court contributions aren't likely to be missed, nobody would blame the Crimson Tide to struggle with the sudden news. Beyond Miles, Alabama also continues to be without Nimari Burnett (wrist), who will cut into their backcourt depth.
Alabama just dropped 106 on LSU. Won by 40. Brandon Miller with 31. Crimson Tide hit 20 3-pointers. Might not be a team in the country playing better basketball right now than Nate Oats' group.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) January 14, 2023
This Alabama team has been able to find success on both sides of the court and that expects to be the case in this one. Missouri has one of the country's worst defenses, which should play perfectly into the Crimson Tide's offensive efficiency. Alabama ranks tenth nationally in scoring and with the nation's best offensive-rebounding group, they should be able to generate some second-chance opportunities. Brandon Miller (20.1 ppg) has been one of the best scorers in the country this season and there's little doubt that he should be able to find success in this one. With Mark Sears (14.5 ppg) leading the way in the backcourt, the balance is unmatched.