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Crimson Tide needs to stand tall against angry Longhorns

By Chris DePew
TideFans.com Staff
December 2, 2016

Where to watch: Alabama (4-2) at Texas (3-3) – Today 8:30 p.m. Central, Frank Erwin Center, ESPNU

Who to watch: Jimmie Taylor. The senior from Greensboro isn’t ever going to be the primary scoring threat, but that’s not what Bama needs tonight. What it does need is someone to hold their own against 6-foot-11 freshman Jarrett Allen, who is averaging 10.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. By contrast, Taylor has been practically invisible on the court, averaging a career-low three rebounds per game and averaging less than 17 minutes of playing time despite starting every contest. Hopefully his experience will pay off on defense, as Donta Hall is still prone to getting caught out of position trying for blocked shots.

What to watch for: Can the Crimson Tide weather an early storm? Texas figures to come in with a chip on its shoulder after a midweek loss to UT-Arlington stretched its losing streak to three games. The Horns started the year in the Top 25 despite an influx of freshmen and when they’re dialed in to coach Shaka Smart’s Havoc defense they can create turnovers – and points – in bunches. Alabama will need to keep its poise if Texas comes out on an emotional high. If it can, it should be able to hold its own against an opponent that struggles in some very familiar-sounding areas (free throw percentage, 3-point shooting, defensive rebounding).

 


Alabama Men’s Basketball Team arrives in Texas

Follow Chris DePew on Twitter @TideFansChris

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