Alabama basketball, riding a six-game winning streak and sitting atop the SEC standings with a 5-0 record, hosts Arkansas (10-3, 2-3) at Coleman Coliseum on Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, SEC Network).
Injuries are a key issue for the Crimson Tide (10-3) as it seeks to extend its winning streak.
Here's what you need to know:
Bad news could be worse
In the second half of its 85-65 win at Kentucky on Tuesday night, Alabama was down three starters due to injury or illness and was a foul or two away from profound lineup trouble down the stretch.
There is one certain absence for this game: forward Jordan Bruner, playing a major role in Alabama’s fast SEC start, is out with a meniscus tear in his right knee. A surgical procedure has been performed and there is hope that Bruner could be back in three to four weeks.
On Wednesday night, UA coach Nate Oats said forward Herb Jones (finger) and guard Jahvon Quinerly (undisclosed illness) were “day to day,” which means a return against Arkansas was at least possible.
Hogs looking to regroup
Arkansas never knew what hit it against LSU on Wednesday night as the Tigers went on a 40-6 run early in the first half and coasted to a 92-76 win. Arkansas tore through a non-conference schedule rated No. 295 (out of 357 teams) nationally, but has been up and down in SEC play.
In a year of excellent freshmen entering the SEC, the Hogs’ 6-foot-6 wing, Moses Moody, is one of the best, averaging nearly 17 points.
Extra opportunity for Reese, Gary
The absence of Bruner, the Crimson Tide’s most traditionally-sized post player, means that senior Alex Reese will be called on for extra minutes. Oats has praised Reese all season for his improved effort and attitude following off-the-court issues in the offseason. He has struggled from 3-point range (13 of 52) but can still stretch a defense and has improved his rebounding and shot-blocking in SEC play.
Juwan Gary, a 6-6 freshman, played 13 minutes at Kentucky and had five rebounds, four on the offensive end.
Reach Cecil Hurt at cecil@tidesports.com or via Twitter @cecilhurt
The Link LonkJanuary 15, 2021 at 07:02PM
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SEC leader Alabama basketball hosts Arkansas: What to know about Tide's injury situation - Tuscaloosa Magazine
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