Shaka Smart and his “Havoc” defense are almost synonymous.
Even last season when Texas put together an abysmal 11-22 record, the Longhorns still managed to have a defense that ranked in the top 25 in efficiency.
This year, Texas ranks even higher defensively, largely thanks to their impressive frontcourt which includes likely top-5 draft pick Mo Bamba. With Bamba patrolling the lane, the Longhorns rank in the top 30 in both 2-point and 3-point defense.
Texas’s Friday night opponent, the Alabama Crimson Tide, have begun to make improvements on the opposite side of the ball. Traditionally, Alabama has been a grit-and-grind defensive-minded team, but their offense has taken flight this season.
With freshmen phenoms Collin Sexton and John Petty leading the way, Alabama has made significant strides on offense. The Tide plays fast, shoots a lot of threes, and gets to the line often.
In fact, both Sexton and Dazon Ingram individually rank in the top 25 in free throw rate (the amount of times you get fouled per the amount of shot attempts taken).
Friday’s game in Birmingham will be an interesting clash of strength on strength.
Players to Watch
Mohamed Bamba (Texas)
The 6’11 ultra-long and athletic center is one of the best shot-blockers in the country at almost four blocks per game.
NBA scouts absolutely love his long wing span and long-term potential.
Offensively, Bamba is a work in progress. He averages just over 10 points a game, but combos with Dylan Osetkowski (15 ppg) to form a formidable frontcourt.
Bamba plays a bunch of minutes for a big man at over 28 per game. Despite his frame, willingness to block shots, and referees’ natural penchant for picking on the big guys, Bamba manages to stay out of foul trouble typically; he only fouled out of an overtime game with Duke earlier this season.
Collin Sexton (Alabama)
This will be yet another opportunity for Sexton to showcase his talents on the big stage.
Sexton has a knack for getting to the free-throw line and he has been showing it as of late, making his last 24 of 25.
He has limited his 3-point shooting but has been attacking the basket with abandon. In the last outing against Mercer, Sexton made a hesitation spin-move for a layup that would have been the play of the night if not for Trae Young’s incredible 22-assist night for Oklahoma.
I don’t think that Young’s coming-out party in Norman has been lost on Sexton. With his ultra-competitive fire and his desire to be the first point guard selected in the 2018 NBA draft, it wouldn’t surprise at all to see Sexton coming out aggressive and attacking the basket early and often against Texas.
How Texas Can Win
Defensively, Texas has to keep Sexton and Ingram away from the rim.
The more times that those two players attack the rim with success, the easier it will be to establish easy passes to Donta Hall for dunks or to John Petty for open 3’s.
Additionally, if Sexton shoots 10-plus free throws, there will be no way he scores less than 20 on the night.
Offensively, Texas is going to have to shoot the ball better, as the Longhorns are one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in America (this should come as a relief to Alabama fans after playing Mercer).
Since stud guard Andrew Jones went out with injury, not a single player for Texas shoots better than 30 percent from deep with the exception of rotational sub Jacob Young.
How Alabama Can Win
Defensively, Alabama needs to keep Texas from getting easy buckets. In its last outing vs. Tennessee State, Texas struggled to score, shooting 35 percent from the field on their way to only 48 points.
If Alabama can keep Texas away from the rim, then it’ll be in great shape.
Offensively, the Tide can’t settle for jump-shots, especially since this game is technically not on the home rims. Though listed as a home game and part of the Alabama season ticket package, the game will be held in Birmingham’s Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center.
Alabama has been playing up-tempo and shoots every 15 seconds which is the 17th fastest in Division I. However, quick 3’s won’t do much for their offense if they have a first-half drought of 1 of 16 again like the Tide did against Mercer.
Avery Johnson’s squad needs to play inside-out, using their quick guards to attack Bamba and company.
Phil’s Prediction
Braxton Key didn’t play well in his return from injury on Tuesday night, but he’s an important player for this young Alabama team.
I’ve got a hunch Key will have a bounce-back game, Sexton will put on his regular show, and together they will lead the Tide to a nice victory over a talented Texas team.
Prediction: Alabama 78, Texas 65