Providence (3-0) at Alabama (1-1)

Sports Network | November 20, 2009

GAME NOTES: The Providence Friars of the Big East Conference and the Alabama Crimson Tide of the SEC are set for what figures to be a close game in Tuscaloosa.

Providence opened its season with three consecutive victories as the host team of the World Vision Invitational. After handling Bryant and Bucknell by double figures, the Friars found themselves in a fight with Mercer. Fortunately for Providence, it was able to escape with a 77-75 triumph, but the environment in Tuscaloosa won't be nearly as friendly.

As for Alabama, it suffered a surprising 71-67 loss to Cornell of the Ivy League in the season opener, causing major concern among fans of the Tide. Fortunately, the team bounced back strong with an 86-69 triumph over Jackson State last time out. The SEC figures to be much tougher this year than last, so Alabama will have to get better in a hurry if it hopes to compete for the title.

Alabama has won three of the five previous meetings with Providence, but the Friars captured a victory in the most recent matchup back in 2004.

While Providence is averaging a solid 83.7 ppg through three outings, the team has managed to limit its opponents to 65.0 ppg on 36.6 percent shooting from the floor. The Friars have three double-digit scorers in he fold, and Marshon Brooks leads the way with 17.0 ppg. Far from just a scorer, Brooks provides 6.7 rpg and 4.0 apg with five steals and five blocks. Sharaud Curry brings 15.0 ppg to the mix, but his 32.5 percent shooting from the floor leaves much to be desired. Jamine Peterson is posting 12.0 ppg and 11.0 rpg for Providence, which got 26 points from Brooks in the narrow victory over Mercer last time out. Curry had 16 points in that game, and Peterson came through with 22 huge rebounds. The Friars shot just 38 percent from the floor, but held Mercer to 35.8 percent efficiency.

Alabama connected on 53.6 percent of its field goal attempts against Jackson State on Tuesday, and the club also finished with 22 assists against only 10 turnovers. That level of offensive efficiency was the key to the victory for the Tide, who actually suffered a 42-32 rebounding disadvantage, including 18-9 on the offensive boards. Clearly, Alabama will face teams much more skilled than Jackson State, so the rebounding deficit has to be at least a bit concerning. Tony Mitchell paced the Tide with 23 points in the triumph, and Charvez Davis pitched in 13 points. JaMychal Green and Mikhail Torrance added 13 points apiece, and Torrance dished out eight assists. Green scored 17 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the way in defeat against Cornell in the opener.

While Providence is a solid team that won't go away easily, expect Alabama to find a way to win this game in the final minute.

GAME NOTES: The Providence Friars of the Big East Conference and the Alabama Crimson Tide of the SEC are set for what figures to be a close game in Tuscaloosa.

FACTS & STATS: Site: Coleman Coliseum (15,316) -- Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Television: None. Home Record: Providence 3-0, Alabama 1-1. Away Record: Providence 0-0, Alabama 0-0. Neutral Record: Providence 0-0, Alabama 0-0. Conference Record: Providence 0-0, Alabama 0-0. Series Record: Alabama leads, 3-2.

Friday, November 20th, 8:00 p.m. (et)

Alabama 80, Providence 77