Kentucky vs. Alabama preview

Tomorrow night, Kentucky returns to the road as they head down to Tuscaloosa to take on The Crimson Tide of Alabama. This is never an easy road trip and this time will be no different needless to say. Kentucky has struggled a bit this season as they hold a 12-5 (3-1) record so far. Coming off somewhat of an impressive win over Auburn Saturday night, the Cats look to carry the momentum and confidence they undoubtedly gained in that game. 

Some questions will no doubt be answered Tuesday night against The Tide. Will Kentucky be able to pick up where they left off against Auburn? Will they be able to slow down the hot outside shooting of Trevor Releford, Trevor Lacey and Levi Randolph all three of which shoot over 40% from deep. Also, will Nerlens Noel (this weeks SEC freshman of the week) be able to stay out of foul trouble and hold down the middle without Willie Cauley-Stein for the second game in a row? All this remains to be seen, but until then, lets learn a little bit about Alabama's history...

EST: 1831

LOCATION: Tuscaloosa, Al

COLORS: Crimson/White

NICKNAME: Crimson Tide

MASCOT: Big Al

NOTABLE ALUMNI:

Latrell Spreewell

Bear Bryant (college football coach)

Debra Marshall (WWE-WCW Diva former wife of Stone Cold Steve Austin)

Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle from Andy Griffith and Gomer Pyle USMC)

NFL (too many players to name go look them up)

Kentucky could struggle with The Tide if they don't close out on shooters and force them to drive the ball. On that note, let's take a look at a numbers comparison between the two. 

                  TIDE            UK

PPG :          65                77

RPG:           32                39

APG:           12                16

SPG:             9                  7

BPG:             5                  8

TPG:           13                13

FG%:          45                48

FT%:           69                64

3P%:           36                35

With Alabama averaging 9 steals per contest, Kentucky has to value the ball and not have senseless turnovers. Again, the Cats will have to guard the perimeter, the three guys mentioned above can absolutely fill it up from three if left open. This will be another tough test for this young team, but Kentucky needs this win to take some of the pressure off regarding their post season chances. If they lose, then things get much tougher for the Cats heading forward. 

In a perfect world, Kentucky brings the same fight, hustle and intensity they had Saturday night and wins this one by 10. We will find out Tuesday night at 9 on ESPN.