Alabama vs Lipscomb Open Thread

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Now that the football season is officially over for the Tide, and with nothing happening with the coaching search 'til the start of next week (at the earliest), it's time to focus on some basketball.  Alabama jumped to #8 in both polls after their dismantling of Coppin State, and look to improve to 12-1 tonight before Oklahoma comes to town for New Years.  Lipscomb is coached by Scott Sanderson, the son of former Bama coach Wimp Sanderson.  The younger Sanderson brings a rested Bisons team to Coleman, having played their last game December 21st at Liberty where the Bisons won 66-61.  While this should be an easy win for the Tide, the Bisons provide a good final test before we hit the meat of the schedule on Monday.  They were picked to finish second in the Atlantic Sun conference after going 21-11 last season and appearing in the conference title game, and are currently 8-4 (2-0).  

Lipscomb's Brian Fisk

What to watch for:
The Bisons feature three full time starters, each of which could hurt the Tide on the perimeter as Alabama has had trouble defending against good outside shooting (see Notre Dame and NC State).  

• Guard Trey Williams is the leading scorer on the team, averaging 14.9 ppg, shooting 49.2% from the field and 46.4% from three point range.  
• Brian Fisk is averaging 13.2 ppg, shooting 44.3% from the field and 44.4% from three point range.  
• Guard/Forward Eddie Ard is averaging 14.5 ppg, shooting 37.4% from the field and 31.2% from three point range, and is also the best three point shooter on the team, hitting 84.5%.  He had a great game their last time out, scoring 24 points and grabbing eight rebounds in the road win.