Richmond vs Alabama Preview:
What: Richmond Spiders (10-2) vs Alabama Crimson Tide (6-5)
When: 12/29 – 6:30 pm EST
Where: Coleman Coliseum; Tuscaloosa, AL
How to Watch: SEC Network
Spiders look to end OOC play with a victory
After what felt like a long week of no Spiders basketball, Richmond will be back in action later this evening as they take on their 3rd SEC opponent of the season in Alabama. The Spiders have had trouble on the road this year, and will really look for a much needed spark to end out of conference play on a high note. Richmond did not shoot well in their first 2 true road games of the season (Hampton & ODU), and obviously did not shoot well last week on a neutral court in DC vs Radford. They will be looking to put these demons to rest after what will hopefully be a strong shooting day from Alabama.
What to Watch For:
The Crimson Tide are led by their guards Kira Lewis Jr. (16.5 ppg) and John Petty Jr. who averages 16.4 ppg, as well as leading the team in rebounds 7.5 per game. Petty leads Alabama in 3-pointers made with 39 through 11 games so far this season. The Crimson currently sit at 36.4% from deep this season, with Richmond ahead of them as they are at 39.5%, which is still 16th in the nation despite their struggles last time out. I am expecting Richmond to get Grant Golden involved once again, as he could have a big game down low as Alabama’s tallest player is 6’9.
Prediction:
In a game that KenPom only gives Richmond a 31% chance of winning, the Spiders are coming into this one with a chip on their shoulder. After losing to Radford a week ago, look for the Spiders to bounce back in a big way. This would not only be a good tournament resume builder, but a huge confidence builder before conference play begins. Hopefully this is the game where the away shooting blues can be lifted. My prediction for this one is Richmond 75 – Alabama 70. Be sure to follow along on Twitter at @AustinDaisey11 & @A10Talk, as well as on our forum at www.a10talk.com. See you this evening Spider Nation!
Amazing Featured Image via @SBUnfurled on Twitter