A streak of bad luck appears to have struck Alabama basketball.
The No. 4 Crimson Tide has experienced a series of unfortunate events leading up to Kentucky, which might be why Vegas sees Alabama (21-5, 10-3 SEC) as an overwhelming favorite to get back on track this weekend against the No. 21 Wildcats.
Yet, Nate Oats and company enter the game looking for their first lead since Feb. 11 at Texas. Also, the team could be shorthanded, with a new star at risk of being sidelined and one day short of practice due to travel troubles.
All that can make a two-game losing streak feel like five. On Saturday, Mark Pope and the ‘Cats will be a tall test for the Crimson Tide’s mental fortitude.
This section will be updated with new information once the game begins.
Date: Saturday, Feb. 22
Time: 5 p.m. CT
Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Alabama basketball versus Kentucky (18-8, 7-6 SEC) will be shown on ESPN. Dick Vitale and company will be on the call in Coleman Coliseum.
The Alabama-Kentucky broadcast can be streamed through ESPN+ and Fubo starting at 5 p.m. CT.
Here are the game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Saturday:
Freshman forward Derrion Reid (hamstring) is out. Reid, Houston Mallette (knees) and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (Achilles tendon) remain on the bench and could be joined by Mark Sears, who was listed on Friday evening’s SEC availability report as probably.
Against Alabama, Kentucky starting guards Lamont Butler (shoulder) and Jaxson Robinson (wrist) will be unavailable for the third straight game. UK’s bench still holds Kerr Kriisa, who’s been out with a broken foot since December.
Alabama expected to bounce back at Mizzou Arena, but Nate Oats said Crimson Tide players are “down on themselves” even more than they were with just the crushing loss to Auburn. Here are the latest headlines surrounding Alabama as it looks to get back in the win column:
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
Which NCAA men's teams to watch on the bubble before March MadnessUSAT's Jordan Mendoza gives his teams to keep an eye on for 'bubble watch' as March Madness se
The No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats play against the No. 15 Missouri Tigers in an SEC basketball game today. The matchup will begin at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can wat
The No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats (20-10) and the No. 15 Missouri Tigers (21-9) match up in
Which NCAA men's teams to watch on the bubble before March MadnessUSAT's Jordan Mendoza gives his teams to keep an eye on for 'bubble watch' as March Madness se