Alabama -3

[theoddsfather]

Alabama-3



Alabama will have revenge on their minds tonight when they take on Wichita State in the 2nd round of the Puerto Rico Tip Off. The Shockers defeated Alabama last season in the Championship game of the NIT.




Alabama has been one of if not the best overall defensive team in the nation under Anthony Grant. Last season they finished fifth in the nation in field goal defense, eighth in scoring defense, and 39th in three-point defense. They did this despite playing in the SEC with Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Florida and playing a demanding out of conference schedule.


If there was anyone who still questioned whether they would bring that same defensive intensity this season they answered that question last night holding Maryland to just 42 points.




With a healthy Jamychal Green and Tony Mitchell this team has plenty of scoring on the offensive end. Sophomore point guard Trevor Releford had to learn on the job last season as a freshman starting point guard in a demanding defensive system against elite talent. That experience he gained in his freshman campaign seems to have payed off and Releford looks primed for a big season




Last Season Alabama was not as deep as they are this season and by the time they reached the finals of the NIT vs Wichita they were playing shorthanded with tired legs. This will not be the case tonight. Grant will have his players focused and much like their head coach this team has a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. I expect a huge effort from Alabama tonight and don't be surprised if they return the favor from last season and defeat Wichita State by double digits.