There’s a case that no team has played a more challenging schedule in college basketball than Alabama (7-2), which has already played four AP-ranked top-12 teams, including then-No. 2 Purdue. But now, the Crimson Tide faces the No. 1 team in the country, the Arizona Wildcats (8-0).
The Big 12 team has faced a tough slate of its own, so both teams will be battle-tested in this matchup. Here’s a look at some storylines to watch in this marquee matchup.
1. Battle of 3-point tendencies
In typical fashion for a Nate Oats offense, Alabama is one of the most prolific three-point shooting teams in the nation, ranking top-4 overall in threes made (12.6 a game) and attempted (36.1). They’re in the middle, percentage-wise, at 34%, but when the Tide are on, they can drop 100 points on anyone. Arizona is the complete opposite, making just six shots from deep per game, ranked 362nd out of 364 teams with just 16 attempts per game. The Wildcats are more efficient at nearly 38% and operate from inside the arc.
The Crimson Tide will win the three-point battle, but how many can Arizona allow before this game is on upset-watch?
2. Alabama’s frontcourt facing another tough test
The reason why Arizona doesn’t shoot many threes but is still the No. 1 team is how elite they are inside the arc. They rank 4th nationally in FG shooting at 53%, and 2nd in over 26 made shots from inside the arc. The Wildcats have one of the deepest frontcourts in the country, led by freshman star Koa Peat (15.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg), along with other key bigs, Tobe Awaka and Motiejus Krivas.
Koa Peat is the only freshman in the country to post 18 points, 5 assists and 0 turnovers in a win over a Top 25 team this season.
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) December 10, 2025
18 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast, 1 blk, 2 stl vs Auburn pic.twitter.com/WZlwVRp3lk
Alabama’s frontcourt isn’t as deep, even with Taylor Bol Bowen set to return from a back injury. Amari Allen (10.9 ppg and 7.7 rpg) has been a key freshman, while Aiden Sherrell and Noah Williamson will be tasked with having effective minutes inside. Arizona will win the frontcourt battle; that’s not the question. But the Tide can’t get killed inside to have a chance to win this matchup.
3. Arizona looks to slow down Philon and Holloway... If he plays
Alabama's Taylor Bol Bowen (back) and Keitenn Bristow (leg) are expected to be available for Saturday's game against Arizona in Birmingham, per Nate Oats.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) December 11, 2025
Aden Holloway (wrist) is likely to be a "game-day decision".
Averages 18.2 PPG.
Has not played since 11/26.
For Alabama to beat the No. 1 team, it needs its stars to have big games. Labaron Philon (21.4 ppg and 5.4 apg) and Aden Holloway (18.2 ppg and 4.3 apg) are two of the best guards in the country, though Holloway is reportedly dealing with a wrist injury and is a game-time decision to play.
If he doesn’t go, the odds of Alabama pulling off the upset will be slim to none.