Wildcats Roar: Arizona’s Dominant Win Over Alabama Sets the Tone

by

Dec 21, 2023

In a thrilling clash on the college basketball court, the Arizona Wildcats showed their prowess as they hammered the Alabama Crimson Tide. Credit must be given to Nate Oats team for their relentless pursuit of excellence, having faced a grueling nonconference schedule against the best in the nation. However, Arizona responded emphatically to their only loss of the year with a resounding 87-74 victory.

Before the game, the oddsmakers had Arizona as a seven-and-a-half-point favorite, a significant margin in a sport known for its unpredictability. It’s rare to see such high totals in men’s college basketball, but that was the case for this game. The matchup between Arizona and Alabama, despite high expectations, managed to stay comfortably under that mark, ending with a total of 161 points.

Alabama’s challenging nonconference schedule may not have resulted in wins, but it will undoubtedly earn them recognition from the selection committee come March Madness. Few teams can boast matchups against powerhouse opponents like Purdue, Creighton, and Arizona, who were collectively 48-4 at the time of the games. Although Alabama suffered losses in all three encounters, the experience gained from facing such formidable opposition is invaluable.

Looking ahead, Alabama’s schedule takes a different turn. The only currently ranked team they are set to face is Tennessee, with the game scheduled for January 20th. After that matchup, they won’t encounter another ranked opponent until February 24th, spanning roughly two months. This presents an opportunity for Alabama to rack up victories in conference play and build momentum over the holiday break.

As college basketball fans eagerly await the matchups that lie ahead, the Arizona Wildcats have made a strong statement with their win over Alabama. They have shown resilience in the face of adversity and have demonstrated their ability to excel in high-stakes games. The road to March Madness is long, and both teams will be looking to build on their early-season experiences to secure a spot in the tournament.

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Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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