By Chris DePew
TideFans.com Staff
Nov. 26, 2018
Where to watch: Murray State (3-0 – #112 Pomeroy Rating) vs. Alabama (4-1 – #61) – Today 7 p.m. Central, Coleman Coliseum, SEC Network-Plus (online only)
Who to watch: Herbert Jones. So much was expected out Jones in his second year that can be easy to overlook the progress that has been made. His shooting percentage is little changed from 2017-18, but Jones is scoring 10.4 points per game, better than six points above his freshman average. He’s improving from behind the arc, making more assists and getting to the foul line more. Meanwhile remains a tenacious rebounder and defender, and is almost halfway to the point of breaking his own season record for charges taken with 11 in five games. What Bama needs from him beyond continued improvement with his jump shot is better decision making to stay out of foul trouble and a focus on reducing turnovers.
What to watch for: Stopping Ja Morant. Murray State starts three seniors, but it is the sophomore point guard who makes the Racers go. Saturday night at Missouri State, Morant had his second career triple-double, knocking down six 3-pointers to finish with 29 points, 12 assists and 13 rebounds. Murray State has played a pillow-soft schedule to date, but NBA scouts will be out in force in part to see how he fares against better competition. After getting torched by Wichita State’s backcourt, the Crimson Tide has had a week to prepare a stiffer defense.
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