The No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team is set to conclude its non-conference schedule with a matchup against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama enters the game with a 10-2 record and is riding a four-game winning streak. The Crimson Tide have been dominant at home, boasting a 5-0 record on their court. They are averaging 86.6 points per game over their last ten contests, with a shooting percentage of 46.2% from the field. Defensively, they have held opponents to an average of 78.9 points per game.
South Dakota State, representing the Summit League, holds a 9-5 record this season. The Jackrabbits have struggled on the road, remaining winless in their three away games. They are averaging 76.8 points per game over their last ten outings, shooting 47.9% from the field, while allowing opponents to score an average of 69.0 points.
This game marks the fourth meeting between the two programs, with Alabama winning all previous encounters. The most recent matchup occurred two years ago, resulting in a 78-65 victory for the Crimson Tide.
Key players to watch include Alabama’s Mark Sears, who is averaging 17.8 points per game and contributes significantly in assists and rebounds. For South Dakota State, Oscar Cluff leads the team with averages of 16.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
The game is scheduled to tip off at 2:00 PM CT and will be available for streaming on SEC Network+/ESPN+.
As both teams look to build momentum before entering conference play, this matchup offers a final opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and solidify their rotations. Alabama aims to extend its winning streak and maintain its perfect home record, while South Dakota State seeks a statement win on the road to conclude its non-conference schedule.