Crimson Tide and Miami to Meet in NIT Quarterfinal
3/22/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 22, 2011
Alabama Basketball Preview - vs. Miami
Alabama (23-11) vs. Miami (21-14)
Crimson Tide Basketball Central
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama men's basketball team aims to continue its season in the National Invitation Tournament when it hosts Miami in quarterfinal action Wednesday evening at Coleman Coliseum. The No. 1 seed Crimson Tide and the second-seeded Hurricanes are scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. CDT on ESPN 2 and on radio via the Crimson Tide Sports Network.
SEC Western Division Champion Alabama advanced to the quarterfinal with a 64-44 win over Coastal Carolina on March 15 and a 74-67 win over New Mexico Monday night. Miami stormed its way through the tournament by defeating cross-town foe Florida Atlantic, 85-62, and Missouri State 81-72.
"They're a good team that obviously played extremely well last night," UA head coach Anthony Grant said of Miami. "They had a good win at home against Missouri State and really shot the ball well. They're a very explosive offensive team with four guys on the floor at any time that can really hurt you offensively."
With the opportunity to advance to New York City's Madison Square Garden on the line, UA head coach Anthony Grant doesn't anticipate his squad losing its focus at home where it is a perfect 18-0 this season.
"Our guys are excited about that and we've talked about that and the opportunity to play for a championship," Grant said. "We understand that in order to do that, we need to take care of today. I think our guys have done a good job of that and this will be the next challenge for us."
Miami will have to play on what has become one of the toughest home courts in the nation as Alabama's home opponents have averaged 52.4 points this season, 0.77 points per possession and are shooting 34.2 percent to at Coleman Coliseum to help the Tide to its sterling home record.
First team All-SEC selection JaMychal Green and second team All-SEC selection Tony Mitchell lead the team in scoring averaging 15.5 points per game. Mitchell led the Tide Monday night with a game-high 23 points. SEC All-Freshman selection Trevor Releford also continued his hot streak with 20 points to match a career-high and six assists against New Mexico.
Tickets for Monday's game are $10 for courtside tickets, $8 for adult general admission, $4 for youth general admission and $4 for current UA students with a valid ID. Those wishing to purchase tickets can do so online at www.RollTide.com, via phone by calling 1.877.TIDETIX or in person at the Coleman Coliseum ticket window starting a 9 a.m. Fans are encouraged to purchase online and use the `print at home' option for the most convenient delivery of tickets and to avoid having to wait in any potential lines at will call.
The winner of Wednesday's game will advance to New York City to play in Madison Square Garden against either Colorado or Kent State in semifinal action Tuesday March 29.
