Lawless Republic
Fansided

BYU basketball: Previewing the Alabama Crimson Tide

By Nathan Cunningham

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team against the Kentucky Wildcats during the semifinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Avery Johnson the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives instructions to his team against the Kentucky Wildcats during the semifinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

BYU basketball takes on a talented Alabama Crimson Tide team on Friday. Here’s what to know for the Barclays Center Classic matchup in New York.

BYU basketball defeated Niagara on Tuesday night, knocking off the Purple Eagles 95-88 in Provo. Now the Cougars are looking to make it two wins in a row against a talented Alabama squad.

Can they do it? It will take a complete game from top to bottom to defeat a Top 25 team in the Barclays Center Classic.

Here’s what to know about the Crimson Tide.

Alabama is coming off a win over UT-Arlington – a familiar foe to BYU basketball fans. The Crimson Tide fell to an early 17-7 deficit before coming back to win 77-76. If nothing else, it confirms what we thought about about the Mavericks – they’re really, really good.

If there’s one name to remember (and fear) regarding the Crimson Tide, it’s this: Collin Sexton.

Sexton, a McDonald’s High School All-American, is a force to be reckoned with for Bama. He’s played in three games this season, putting in more impressive performances each time he steps on the court.

Here are his numbers from his first three collegiate games.

Lipscomb: 22 points (7-10 shooting), 5 assists, 27 minutes

Alabama A&M: 25 points (11-16 shooting), 5 assists, 26 minutes

UT-Arlington: 29 points (8-15 shooting), 4 assists, 32 minutes

Not only has Sexton been hyper-efficient with his shooting, but he’s also getting to the free-throw line at an impressive clip. He’s taken 12+ free throws in a game twice this season.

Sexton is a game-changer, and to be honest, I’m not sure anyone on BYU basketball’s roster can stop him. The hope is to just contain him and make the rest of the Tide beat you.

We’ll see if the Cougars can do that on Friday afternoon. Hopefully there won’t be any Turkey Day hangover.

Home/BYU Basketball