Tigers host Alabama in final non-conference game

When: 9:00pm
Where: Littlejohn, Clemson, SC

Watch: Fox Sports Network
Listen: WCCP Online
Follow: SCACChoops

Tonight's game should not be overlooked by the Tigers awaiting the opening of the ACC season with NCSU and a tough stretch against WF and an away game at UNC-we know that storyline.

And while OP is happy about some national recognition, he too knows the Tigers should not look past Alabama.

"Alabama is really really good and that's what we've got to be focused on rather than how somebody views us," Purnell said.

"Whether we're flying under the radar or not, it's important for us to recognize that we're a work in progress."

Alabama is coming off a strong performance against GT behind senior guard Ronald Steele. The Tide posts a 10-3 record, with the three losses coming to Ken Pomeroy RPI #204 Mercer, KP #87 Texas A&M, and KP #125 Oregon, while Alabama's KP ranking is 136 and Clemson's is #11.

This doesn't mean much really. Alabama was picked to win the Western Division of the SEC by a group of AP writers- you know what I think of them. On the other hand, Alabama hasn't played an away game since 11/26/08, nearly a month longer than Clemson's last away game at Miami on 12/21/08.

Of tonight's game, Alabama coach Mark Gottfried said, "They are very athletic. We will have to handle their pressure with no lapses. We can have no periods in the game where we lose our concentration." He knows about the Tigers and remembers from last year. The article writer, however, does not.

The top scorer is senior K.C. Rivers, a 6-foot-5 wing player who is averaging 15.3 points per game. The Tigers also have a strong inside game with 6-foot-7, 240-pound senior Trevor Booker (14.6 ppg, 9.6 rpg) and 6-foot-9 junior Trevor Sykes (9.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg)

Hopefully this doesn't make Raymond Sykes mad, or someone on the Alabama team might end up like that guy from South Carolina.


Enjoy tonight's game, get excited about bracketology, and remember we need to hit our open shots and press. press. press.

Go Tigers!