The Alabama Crimson Tide hosts the Georgia Bulldogs in Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa this afternoon at 3:00 PM CST. Both teams are eager to strengthen their positions in the Southeastern Conference standings.
Alabama, under the guidance of head coach Nate Oats in his sixth year, holds an impressive 18-3 overall record, with a 7-1 mark in SEC play. The Crimson Tide’s offense is among the nation’s most potent, averaging 90.2 points per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. The Tide’s defense allows 78.8 points per game, indicating a preference for high-scoring contests.
Leading Alabama’s attack is graduate guard Mark Sears, contributing 18.6 points per game. His backcourt partner, sophomore Aden Holloway, adds 14.2 points and 5.1 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking abilities. In the frontcourt, senior forward Grant Nelson provides 11.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, offering a versatile inside-outside presence.
The Crimson Tide’s offensive prowess is evident in its 47.4% field goal percentage and 33.2% success rate from beyond the arc. However, the Bama defense has been a point of concern, allowing opponents to shoot 41.3% from the field. Additionally, Alabama’s turnover margin stands at -2.2, indicating vulnerabilities in ball control.
On the other side, Georgia, led by third-year head coach Mike White, enters the game with a 15-6 overall record and a 3-5 tally in SEC competition. The Bulldogs average 76.1 points per game while limiting opponents to 66.1 points, highlighting their defensive strengths.
Bulldog freshman forward Asa Newell has been a standout for Georgia, leading the team with 16.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. His immediate impact has been pivotal for the Bulldogs’ offense. Supporting him is sophomore guard Silas Demary Jr., who contributes 9.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, providing stability in the backcourt.
Georgia’s defense has been formidable, holding opponents to a 66.1 points per game average, good enough for 19th in the KenPom defensive rankings. The Bulldogs’ defensive efficiency will be crucial in countering Alabama’s high-octane offense – rated #1 in adjusted tempo in KenPom. However, the Bulldogs have faced challenges in producing wins this year in SEC play, with a 3-5 conference record, struggling against the SEC’s top-tier competition.
In their most recent outings, Alabama secured a 84-80 victory over Mississippi State, showcasing their offensive depth. Conversely, Georgia is looking to rebound from a 74-64 loss to Ole Miss, where offensive inconsistencies were evident.
The matchup presents a classic clash of styles: Alabama’s explosive offense against Georgia’s staunch defense. Alabama’s strength of schedule is rated the toughest in the nation and the Tide has had to dig deep to pull out some tough wins throughout the 2024-25 season. The outcome may hinge on Georgia’s ability to disrupt Alabama’s scoring rhythm and the Crimson Tide’s capacity to maintain defensive focus.
Game Summary:
- Time: 3:00 PM CST
- Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Television: ESPN2
- Streaming: Available on ESPN2 (get Fubo !)
- Rankings: Alabama is ranked #4 nationally; Georgia is unranked.
- KenPom Net Ratings: Alabama #7; Georgia #37