The No.2-seeded Kentucky Wildcats play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the third round of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Friday, Mar. 11 and can be seen on SEC and ES3.
The Wildcats come into this game hoping to repeat their last performance, topping LSU 94-77 in their last matchup. Skal Labissiere was a key piece with 18 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks. The Crimson Tide, meanwhile, are coming off an 81-73 win against Ole Miss in the 2. Arthur Edwards played well for Alabama, accounting for 15 points, four rebounds, and three blocks.
Jamal Murray has taken his game to another level over the last five games for the Wildcats. During that stretch, he has averaged 24.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 4.0 three-pointers.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses, as Kentucky currently ranks 16th in the nation in offensive efficiency and Alabama is 26th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Crimson Tide commit the 35th-fewest errors in the nation (TO% of 20.1%), while the disruptive defense of the Wildcats causes the 27th-most (opponents’ TO% of 18.1%).
The Wildcats have emerged victorious in both games against the Crimson Tide this year, including a 78-53 win the last time these two teams met. Tyler Ulis put up a double-double in the victory with 19 points and 10 assists.
Notes
The Kentucky Wildcats rank 16th for their offensive rating of 115.9. The Alabama Crimson Tide have a defensive rating of 101.8 (ranked 26th).
The Kentucky Wildcats average 68.2 possessions and 1.159 points per possession in games this season. The Alabama Crimson Tide average fewer possessions with 66.2, as well as fewer points per possession with 1.013.
The Kentucky Wildcats average an effective field goal percentage of 53.1% this season. The Alabama Crimson Tide have a losing record of 1-3 when opponents have an eFG% of 53.1% or greater.
Kentucky attempts an average of 18.0 three pointers per game and Alabama attempts 22.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Kentucky Wildcats have a winning 10-6 record while the Alabama Crimson Tide have a 13-10 record.
Kentucky ranks among the best in the nation in blocking at fourth (5.8 blocks per game). Alabama is ranked 18th with 5.3 blocks per game.
Kentucky ranks 31st in offensive rebounding. Alabama ranks 183rd in defensive rebounding.
On average, Alabama forces a turnover rate of 18.5%, ranked 23rd in the nation. When Kentucky turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a superb 7-2 record.
