The nation’s new No. 1, Arizona, will play its first game as the top team in the country for the first time since 2023 in what will be its fifth game against a top 25 opponent.
Arizona has by far the most impressive resume in the sport with wins over Florida, UCLA, UConn, and Auburn. Tommy Lloyd has his best team since arriving in Tucson, powered by freshman sensation Koa Peat and veteran guard Jaden Bradley. The Wildcats have excellent size, ranking seventh in average height per KenPom, which they’ve used to dominate the paint on both ends.
In typical Nate Oats fashion, Alabama can score with the best of them. The Crimson Tide lost to Purdue and Gonzaga in November as part of a four-game stretch that also featured wins over St. John’s and Illinois. Labaron Philon has commanded lead guard duties, playing like an All-American throughout the non-conference season…