Alabama Crimson Tide vs Kent State Golden Flashes Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024

No. 6 Alabama keeps guard up for encounter vs. Kent State

After narrowly escaping an upset against North Dakota, the No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide are gearing up to face another tough challenge against Kent State this Sunday in Tuscaloosa.

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Alabama’s Recent Challenge: Lessons from North Dakota

The Crimson Tide (9-2) had a scare on Wednesday, eking out a 97-90 victory against North Dakota. The game marked forward Grant Nelson’s homecoming, where he delivered a stellar performance with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. His tie-breaking basket in the final minutes sealed the win, but the game revealed cracks in Alabama’s armor.

Turnovers plagued Alabama, especially in the first half, and their defensive intensity waned at critical moments. Head coach Nate Oats acknowledged the issues, stating, “We’ve had an issue with turnovers… especially in the first half of that last game.” This vulnerability could be exploited by Kent State, a team known for its aggressive defensive play.

The Kent State Challenge: A Battle of Grit and Defense

The Golden Flashes (8-2) bring an impressive resume and rank 11th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 60.2 points per game. Head coach Rob Senderoff sees this as a golden opportunity to test his team’s mettle against one of the nation’s top programs. “We have a really tough game ahead… but it will be an awesome opportunity for us,” Senderoff said.

Kent State’s defense thrives on pressure, physicality, and forcing turnovers—exactly where Alabama has struggled. They’ve held their own against top-tier opponents, despite losses to Auburn (79-56) and UC Irvine (51-39). “No shame in the losses we’ve had,” Senderoff emphasized. The team is coming off a decisive 82-57 win over Mercyhurst, showcasing their depth and potential for growth.

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Key Players to Watch

Alabama

• Mark Sears (18.0 PPG): The team’s leading scorer will play a critical role in breaking through Kent State’s defensive schemes.
• Grant Nelson (13.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG): After a dominant performance against North Dakota, Nelson’s inside presence will be vital.
• Labaron Philon (11.9 PPG): The freshman missed a start due to disciplinary issues but remains a key contributor when on the court.

Kent State

• VonCameron Davis (14.9 PPG): The senior forward leads the Golden Flashes and is on the verge of surpassing 1,000 career points. His offensive contributions will be crucial against Alabama’s defense.

A Historical Edge for Kent State

This matchup carries added weight, thanks to Kent State’s stunning upset over Alabama in the 2002 NCAA Tournament. That victory, led by future NFL star Antonio Gates, propelled the Golden Flashes to the Elite Eight. Although the programs have evolved since then, the historical significance adds extra intrigue to Sunday’s showdown.

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Strategic Keys for Both Teams

Alabama:

• Limit Turnovers: Kent State’s aggressive defense thrives on creating opportunities from mistakes. Alabama must protect the ball to avoid giving the Golden Flashes an edge.
• Control the Paint: Nelson’s rebounding and interior scoring could help Alabama dominate inside and counter Kent State’s physical play.

Kent State:

• Exploit Turnovers: With a high-pressure defense, the Golden Flashes can disrupt Alabama’s offensive rhythm.
• Balanced Scoring: Players like Davis must lead, but contributions from the bench will be critical to keeping pace with Alabama’s firepower.

The Stakes

For Alabama, this game is more than just another step toward building their season record. It’s a chance to tighten their defense, sharpen their offensive execution, and prove they can handle adversity. For Kent State, it’s a rare opportunity to claim a statement win against a top-tier program and strengthen their NCAA Tournament resume.

Prediction

With Alabama’s depth and offensive talent, the Crimson Tide are favored, but they cannot afford to underestimate Kent State’s disciplined defense and hunger for an upset. This matchup promises to be a gritty battle between one team fighting to maintain its ranking and another eager to prove its worth.

Mark your calendars: Alabama vs. Kent State tips off this Sunday in Tuscaloosa. Will the Crimson Tide roll, or will the Golden Flashes shock the basketball world once again?