University of Tennessee women's basketball vs. Alabama at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern
TV/radio: SEC Network/102.3 FM
Likely lineups (with heights and scoring averages in parentheses)
TENNESSEE (12-4, 1-3 Southeastern Conference)
Projected starters: F Rennia Davis (6-2, 14.7); F Cheridene Green (6-3, 8.3); G Zaay Green (6-0, 9.5); G Meme Jackson (5-11, 13.1); G Evina Westbrook (6-0, 16.3).
Key reserves: F Mimi Collins (6-3, 5.3); G Jazmine Massengill (6-0, 3.6).
ALABAMA (9-8, 1-3)
Projected starters: G Megan Abrams (5-9, 2.5); F Ariyah Copeland (6-3, 7.5); G Cierra Johnson (5-10, 13.5); G Shaquera Wade (6-0, 9.4); F Jasmine Walker (6-3, 13.9).
Key reserves: G Hannah Barber (5-6, 1.4); F Allie Craig Cruce (6-1, 3.2).
CRIMSON TIDE REPORT
Like the Lady Volunteers, the Crimson Tide will roll out a youthful team largely comprised of freshmen and sophomores. They struggled in nonconference play, and that has continued in conference play due to inconsistency. Regardless of personnel, Alabama has controlled the series with Tennessee recently, having won four straight meetings, although the Lady Vols hold a commanding 49-6 advantage overall.
KEY MATCHUP
As the team's leading scorer and rebounder this season, Walker draws a lot of attention for Alabama, with Johnson providing a perimeter option. The Tide's strength in this case - the interior - is also one for the Lady Vols. If Tennessee can control the inside and control the boards, it will be able to get out in transition for some baskets that could get it back on track after losing three straight Southeastern Conference games for the first time in decades.