No team in college basketball challenges itself in the non-conference as much as the Alabama Crimson Tide (2-1). They’ve already played St. John’s and Purdue, splitting those matchups. Now, they face another top-10 team in Illinois (4-0), which won its big early test by beating Texas Tech last week.
Looking to avoid two straight losses, what do the Crimson Tide need to do to get the neutral site victory? Here are some keys to watch for.
1. Contain the Illini frontcourt
Illinois rebuilt its frontcourt this offseason around returning big man Tomislav Ivisic. It started with his brother and Arkansas transfer, Zvonimir Ivisic (8.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg) along with David Mirkovic, a freshman forward currently averaging 18.5 ppg and 12.5 rpg so far. Alabama’s frontcourt doesn’t have as much depth, especially with 6’11 freshman Collins Onyejiaka out with a medical condition.
The Tide will need forwards Taylor Bol Bowen, Noah Williamson, and Aiden Sherrell to step up, while also not getting killed on the boards. If not, then they’ll need Aden Holloway and Labaron Philon to produce even more to keep them in the game.
2. Make 12+ three-pointers
What makes Alabama’s offense so prolific at times is how many shots from three they can get up. So far, they’re 7th in the nation with 35 attempts a game, making just under 12. They had 11 in the first half against Purdue but finished with 16 total on 43 attempts. Look for them to get around that same kind of number against Illinois, with all four key guards likely to get 5+ threes attempted again.
If they can get at least 12, the Tide will be in the mix to get a win.
3. The freshmen being x-factors
Besides the guards and forwards already mentioned, Alabama also has three freshmen forwards who are in the rotation. Amari Allen, London Jemison, and Davion Hannah don’t score more than 7.0 ppg, but they have given them solid production early on this season. With Illinois having big guards and wings itself, including Andrej Stojakovic, it’ll be important for this group of freshmen to have an impact on both ends Wednesday night.