Alabama Basketball: Four pressing questions for the Tide vs. Virginia Tech

Will the Tide control the boards?

Alabama has the edge in this category as Virginia Tech has a negative rebound margin on the season. The Hokies are susceptible on the glass and Alabama is a decent offensive-rebounding squad. As I alluded to earlier, the Tide can control the tempo of the game by extending possessions with offensive rebounds. They will wear down the Hokies if they consistently make them defend for long stretches.

Also, the Tide can disrupt Virginia Tech’s flow by clearing the defensive glass. Eliminating second-chance points and maintaining a halfcourt tempo will certainly frustrate the Hokies’ high-powered offense. The Tide are a solid bunch in terms of defensive rebounding so they can definitely win this battle.

Alabama’s frontcourt has an opportunity to swing this game in its favor. If the Tide’s big men control the boards and generate second-chance offense, they will have an excellent chance of winning. Additionally, the Tide’s guards do a great job helping on the boards and will be able to impact this phase of the game.

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Ultimately, if the game is close in the waning minutes, the Tide have the edge. They have Collin Sexton and the Hokies don’t.

Tune in Thursday night at 9:20pm ET on TNT. It’s gonna be a fun one in Pittsburgh.