How to Watch Alabama at Illinois: Preview and open thread

SB Nation

In yet another game of contrasting styles, Alabama travels to Chicago tonight to face the Illinois Fighting Illini. Like last week’s outing against Purdue, Alabama will want to turn the game into a track

meet while Illinois is contend to slow it down. The Illini rank 178th in pace of play this season.

Three Keys to Victory for Alabama

Don’t get completely dominated on the offensive glass:
Alabama’s lack of interior presence was exposed in the loss to Purdue. They were hammered on the boards and second chance points were the difference in the game. Illinois has two brothers named Ivisic that rotate at the center spot, each standing over 7-feet. They average 10 boards a game between them, and 6’9” freshman David Mirkovic averages 12.5. And, all three of them can shoot the three ball.

Control tempo and make threes:
This is going to be a key theme of Alabama previews this season. Alabama isn’t going to be able to hang very well in the half court game with bigger teams. But, they can get out and run their legs off. Purdue was able to hold Alabama to 70 possessions, a full 10 below the season average coming into the game. Alabama needs to get back to 80 or so, and most importantly make plenty of threes.
Limit turnovers against Illinois’ size and length:
Illinois has length everywhere and big time rim protection. Limiting turnovers will be key to an Alabama victory, and the Tide must also pick up at least a couple of extra shots on the offensive glass.