Nate Oats’ squad will try to rebound from a disastrous second half in the last outing against top-ranked Arizona. It was the first time this season that the Tide looked truly overmatched in a game and should be instructive in terms of which areas need addressed.
The problem is that the biggest issue, rebounding the ball and keeping opponents off the offensive glass in particular, may not be something that they can solve for with the current roster, against better teams anyway.
Advertisement
Tonight the Tide will host a South Florida squad that shouldn’t be much trouble if Alabama plays to its potential. The Bulls have rebounded the ball reasonably well, albeit against a relatively weak schedule, averaging 15.5 offensive boards per game. Guard Joseph Pinion is a name to watch. He leads the Bulls in scoring and shoots 38% from three, and also averages better than two steals per contest.
The Bulls generally run a four guard look with Izayiah Nelson and Daimion Collins rotating down low. Nelson has been particularly effective on the glass, averaging more than nine boards a game in only 24 minutes.
The Bulls are coached by longtime Oats assistant Bryan Hodgson, in his first season at South Florida after two at Arkansas State. Stylistically, expect something of a mirror image in this one.
What: South Florida at Alabama
When: 7pm CT
How to Watch: ESPN+ or ESPN app
Use this as your open thread.
Roll Tide.