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Auburn Basketball: Alabama Q&A With Bama Hammer

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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The 10-8, 2-3 Auburn basketball team will travel to Tuscaloosa Saturday for the basketball version of one of college sports’ greatest rivalries. The Tigers will take on a 12-6, 2-3 Alabama squad in the Iron Bowl of basketball.

As we look ahead to the game, and because we play nice here on the FanSided network, we sat down with Nick Jones, the hoops writer for Bama Hammer. Nick was kind enough to answer some of our questions in regards to this weekend’s game.

Jan 13, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Levi Randolph (20) makes a three pointer against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Fly War Eagle: Alabama enters Saturday’s matchup with a 12-6 overall record and a 2-3 mark in the SEC, including some quality victories and a few narrow misses. How do fans feel about the season so far?

Bama Hammer: Generally, I think most Alabama fans are still optimistic that the Crimson Tide will get an opportunity to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.

On the flip side, there is a growing number of fans that are ready for Anthony Grant’s tenure to be over, especially after the Tide’s brutal 70–48 loss to Kentucky. Fan support has definitely seen an uptick this year though, as Alabama saw its first regular season sellout of Coleman Coliseum in several years against the Wildcats.

FWE: The Crimson Tide won their first two SEC games, but lost 68-66 on the road against South Carolina, were blown out 70-48 at home against Kentucky last week and lost 93-91 in overtime to Arkansas Thursday. What have you learned about the strengths and weaknesses of this team in the first handful of conference games?

BH: Like many of Anthony Grant’s teams in the past, Alabama is a defensive-first team. Grant is content with scoring 50 points and although that frustrates many, it keeps the Tide in a lot of games. Although this team doesn’t have a superstar like Trevor Releford, Alabama has a lot of key role players that can step up and lead when needed.

After the first couple conference games, it is extremely apparent that the Tide lacks depth and scoring on the inside. Sophomore forward Michael Kessens is the only inside scoring threat and fellow sophomore Jimmie Taylor often gets in foul trouble.

FWE: We’re nearly halfway through the regular season. What does this Alabama team need to do to reach their goals this year?

BH: Improving on offense has to be Alabama’s biggest focus in the second half of the season. The Tide has the defense to beat anyone, but to compete with the top dogs in the SEC they will have to put up some more points.

FWE: Senior guard Levi Randolph has been Alabama’s most consistent players this season – he leads the team in scoring and ranks third in rebounding. What can you tell us about Randolph?

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BH: Levi Randolph is a coach’s dream and I think that is reflected in the fact that he was unanimously elected the first captain in Anthony Grant’s tenure at Alabama. He has always been a great defender, but his offensive game has really improved this season.

Many believe that he played second fiddle to Trevor Releford so long that he was almost afraid to contribute on offense. Randolph still struggles a bit in getting involved, often opting to pass up an open shot to facilitate others. One thing is for sure, when he’s on, he is one of the best guards in the SEC.

FWE:  Most people around the country appreciate this rivalry on the football field, but it’s hotly contested on the court as well. How do you see this game playing out Saturday in Tuscaloosa?

BH: If history is any indicator, it will be a close one. Auburn hasn’t won a game in Tuscaloosa since 2009 and home court usually plays a huge advantage in this series. I wouldn’t be surprised if this game goes back-and-forth throughout the first half and on into the second half, but I think Alabama’s defense prevails.

As with any Alabama game, expect a low scoring affair, Alabama 60 – Auburn 56.

Thanks Nick. We look forward to a great game Saturday.

Next: Football Recruiting: The Importance of Byron Cowart

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