By Chris DePew
TideFans.com Staff
Jan. 23, 2018
Where to watch: Alabama (13-6, 5-2) at Ole Miss (10-9, 3-4) – Today 7:30 p.m. Central, The Pavilion at Ole Miss, SEC Network
Who to watch: Dazon Ingram. In two games without Collin Sexton, Ingram’s shooting just 3-for-12 from the floor as the Crimson Tide’s full-time point guard. But despite that slump and despite occasionally alarming body language that makes him look frustrated or like he’s backing down from a fight, the sophomore from Theodore is finding ways to contribute and keep things glued together. For one, he is getting to the foul line and scoring there instead of on the floor. Ingram was 7-for-10 at the line against Mississippi State after making 10 free throws apiece versus Auburn and LSU. He also tied a season high with six assists in the win over MSU and added eight rebounds. With or without Sexton, he will have his hands full against the Rebels’ talented and experienced backcourt.
What to watch for: If Bama has the maturity to handle a classic trap game. Last week’s rivalry win against No 19 Auburn was a huge boost. This Saturday’s looming showdown with No. 12 Oklahoma is the most hyped non-conference game at Coleman Coliseum in a generation and a tougher ticket than the recent Sugar Bowl. But in the present, Alabama must find a way to win in Oxford in nearly a decade. And it can’t count on the opponent coming out flat and disinterested like MSU or getting a boost in the final minutes from a friendly crowd. The Rebels are fighting to save their season after two hard-luck road losses last week at Texas A&M and Arkansas. Ole Miss leads the league in 3-point attempts, takes good care of the ball to limit easy scores for the opposition and dares the other team to beat it at the foul line instead of conceding easy buckets. All of those traits put pressure on the Tide’s weaknesses.
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