MBB Challenges No. 11 Alabama in Players Era Clash Monday

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MBB Challenges No. 11 Alabama in Players Era Clash Monday

The highly anticipated matchup between #11 Alabama and #13 Gonzaga is set for Monday, November 24, at 6:30 PM PT. The game will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as part of the Players Era Championship.

Gonzaga’s Strong Start

Gonzaga enters the game with an impressive 5-0 record. The Bulldogs are fresh off a significant 122-50 victory over Southern Utah, where Braden Huff led the team with 22 points, shooting 11-for-13 from the field. Other standout performances included Davis Fogle with 19 points and Mario Saint-Supéry, who contributed 16 points, seven assists, and six steals.

Statistically, Gonzaga ranks high in various NCAA categories: third in both defensive and tenth in offensive metrics. They lead the West Coast Conference in scoring offense, scoring defense, and scoring margin, showcasing their dominance early in the season.

Key Player Achievements

Graham Ike recently surpassed 2,000 career points, solidifying his position as one of the top active scorers in NCAA Division I.
The Bulldogs aim to maintain their perfect start, having opened 5-0 for the second consecutive season.

Alabama’s Performance

Meanwhile, Alabama heads into the game with a 3-1 record. The Crimson Tide’s last outing was a thrilling 90-86 victory against Illinois, with Labaron Philon Jr. leading the charge with 24 points. Taylor Bol Bowen and Aden Holloway also made notable contributions, scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Philon Jr. is currently averaging a team-high 20.5 points per game. Four players on the team are averaging in double digits, indicating a well-rounded scoring ability. Both Philon Jr. and Holloway received All-SEC preseason honors, recognizing their potential impact this season.

Coaching and Team History

Head coach Nate Oats has built a competitive program at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to a league-best 75 conference wins since arriving in 2019. Alabama was projected to finish fourth in the SEC based on a preseason poll by media members.

Series History

Gonzaga and Alabama have met twice previously, each winning once. Their most recent clash occurred on December 17, 2022, when Gonzaga came away with a 100-90 victory in Birmingham. Both games played between these programs have taken place at neutral sites.

Upcoming Games

Following this matchup, Gonzaga will face Maryland on Tuesday, November 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This game marks their first encounter in 17 years, with Gonzaga seeking to extend its winning streak against the Terrapins.

Players Era Championship Overview

The Players Era Championship, now in its second edition, features a field of 18 teams, with plans to expand in the future. The two-day event will showcase nine games at two venues, enhancing the competitiveness of collegiate basketball this season.

This matchup between Gonzaga and Alabama is not just a game—it’s a chance for both teams to assert their dominance in early-season rankings and make a statement in a highly competitive tournament setting.