No. 2 Alabama Playing Another Team “Hungry” for a Big Win in Oklahoma

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — School basketball groups on the bubble for the NCAA Match pose an enormous problem.

Mississippi State confirmed that in Coleman Coliseum on Wednesday night time, taking No. 2 Alabama to the wire in a 66-63 victory for the Crimson Tide.

Now, Alabama (18-2, 8-0 SEC) will get a break from convention play — however not a break from a troublesome opponent.

The Crimson Tide will play the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman for the SEC / Massive 12 Problem on Saturday afternoon.

Just like the Bulldogs, the Sooners (11-9, 2-6 Massive 12) have struggled to stack wins to date within the loaded Massive 12. Oklahoma has misplaced three contests in a row, together with a 27-point highway loss to No. 11 TCU on Tuesday night time.

“Mississippi State’s document wasn’t nice, however they seem to be a good crew,” head coach Nate Oats mentioned. “They’re quite a bit higher than their document confirmed. […] I believe Oklahoma is similar approach.”

The Sooners will likely be closely motivated to keep away from getting pushed round by one other high crew — and this time on their dwelling flooring.

“We all know that they are hungry for a win,” head coach Nate Oats mentioned. “They want high quality wins. We’re hungry for a win too, although. We’re taking part in for a No. 1 seed. This is not a recreation that you may go on the highway and never maintain enterprise. We’re taking part in for one thing too. We have each groups taking part in for various issues. We’re each going to be motivated. We’re No. 2 within the nation proper now — groups are going to convey their A-game in opposition to us. We simply noticed it Wednesday night time [against Mississippi State].”

Oklahoma’s document might be quite a bit higher. The Sooners misplaced their season opener to Sam Houston by one level, Villanova by 4 factors, No. 10 Texas by one level, No. 12 Iowa State by three factors, No. 9 Kansas by 4 factors and No. 17 Baylor by simply two.

“They’re taking part in groups actually powerful,” Oats mentioned. “Our guys acquired to know this can be a crew that’s greater than able to taking part in with the most effective groups within the nation. We all know that.”

This Oklahoma crew can grasp with anybody within the nation. And since it is squarely on the bubble, it’s in want of a high-profile win — and a win over Alabama can be simply that.

“Each crew has been giving us their greatest shot all yr,” ahead Noah Gurley mentioned. “We realized from Mississippi State that you may’t are available in sluggish in any respect as a result of that may nearly value you.”

“We’ll be prepared,” guard Nimari Burnett mentioned.

The Crimson Tide and Sooners are set to face off within the SEC / Massive 12 Problem on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff from the Lloyd Noble Middle is about for 1 p.m. CT on ESPN.

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