C.M. Newton Classic between Alabama, Illinois rescheduled – WVUA 23

Crimson Tide and Fighting Illini facing off Nov. 20

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Josh Batchelor

Alabama basketball is set for, once again, another grueling out-of-conference slate with scheduled opponents such as Purdue, Illinois, North Carolina and Creighton on the schedule.

The annual C.M. Newton Classic typically takes place in late December, with this years game being between Alabama and Illinois. The classic announced a new game date: Wednesday, Nov. 20, a month before usual.

Legacy Arena in Birmingham is the yearly host of the C.M. Newton Classic since its inception in 2021. The Crimson Tide has played in the classic every season since, holding a 1-2 record.

Alabama lost its first two classic games in 2021 and 2022 to Davidson and Gonzaga, but responded with a dominant win in 2023 over the Liberty Flames. Despite the 2022 loss to Gonzaga, Alabama won two games later that season in Legacy Arena versus Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Maryland.

“We’re excited for the two upcoming C.M Newton Classic matchups in Birmingham, this year against Illinois,” Nate Oats said. “We’re excited to play in front of Tide fans in Birmingham while honoring coach Newton’s legacy and the impact that he made on the University of Alabama and sport.”

Newton served as Alabama’s basketball head coach from 1968 to 1980, as he was hired by football coach and athletic director Paul “Bear” Bryant. Newton won three SEC tournaments in his coaching tenure in Tuscaloosa and held an overall record of 211-123.

Under Newton, Wendell Hudson became the Black player to play for Alabama basketball. Hudson’s No. 20 jersey is in the rafters of Coleman Coliseum, as the program retired it in honor of the trailblazer.

Tickets for the 2024 C.M. Newton Classic will be available for purchase in September. Fans who attended the 2023 event will be able to renew their tickets for this year’s event. Alabama basketball season-ticket holders will receive priority access to seating and early ticket availability.