By Chris DePew
TideFans.com Staff
Dec. 21, 2016
Where to watch: Arkansas State (9-2) vs. Alabama (5-5) – Today 8 p.m. Central, Von Braun Center (Huntsville), SEC Network
Who to watch: Ar’Mond Davis. The junior college transfer may or may not get the start tonight in place of the injured Corban Collins (groin), but his minutes figure to increase tonight, especially if he can display his long-rumored scoring touch. Hyped as a deadly 3-point shooter coming out of the College of Southern Idaho, Davis is hitting barely 28 percent of his deep shots and 30 percent overall. If not for a breakout night against Ball State, he would be a dreadful 15-for-54 from the field. Davis was supposed to be a pure shooter on a team desperate for that skill, and if he can’t put up points on a regular basis the Crimson Tide won’t either.
What to watch for: Can Bama make something go right on the perimeter? It may be asking a lot to reverse a season-long 3-point shooting slump away from home. The Red Wolves only allow 26.3 percent shooting from long distance, second-best in the nation. But at the very least Alabama must shut down ASU’s perimeter game, and it will require a mighty effort to do so. The Wolves hit better than 40 percent from beyond the arc, led by guard Devin Carter. He makes just under four 3-pointers a game and set a school record last week with 10 3-pointers against Tennessee-Martin.
Follow Chris DePew on Twitter @TideFansChris