Alabama vs. Vanderbilt: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

The Alabama Crimson Tide will travel to the Vanderbilt Commodores with their heads held high after an upset win over the Texas A&M Aggies. Can they get a win in one of the most difficult places to play in college basketball?

TV Schedule: Tuesday, Jan. 2, 7:00 p.m. ET, SEC Network

Arena: Memorial Gym, Nashville, Tennessee

The Alabama Crimson Tide have had an up and down season in 2017-8, finding themselves getting things done when they are supposed to win (a one-point win over Mercer, three over Louisiana Tech, one over UT-Arlington, etc.), but unable to get over the hump and squeeze out a win over a top opponent.

At least they were until the Texas A&M Aggies came to Tuscaloosa and the Crimson Tide won 79-57.

That being said, Alabama still has a ton of work to do if they want to make it to the NCAA Tournament but could take a big step in that direction with a win on Tuesday night on the road over the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Vanderbilt has not had the type of season many were expecting, but the lack of depth – especially at the forward positions – has really caught up with this team late in games. They have lost five games this season by three or fewer possessions, so it is no surprise that they are the highest ranked team with a losing record in many top analytical rankings.

The Commodores have no bad loses, but, if they want to make the tournament, they will have to start doing damage against other potential NCAA Tournament teams, like Alabama.

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The Crimson Tide should be favored in this one, but anything can happen in Memorial Gym. I’m going to give this one to Vandy, but, remember, they could easily continue the trend of losing close games.

Prediction: Vanderbilt 70, Alabama 66