Trevor Releford continues his strong start to the season on the offensive end and Alabama will look for more scoring from the junior guard when the Crimson Tide hosts Lamar on Tuesday. Releford ranks third in the Southeastern Conference in scoring (18.6). In his past two games, Releford led the Crimson Tide to victories by scoring 47 points and hitting 76.9 percent of his 3-point attempts (10-for-13). Alabama is off to a 5-0 start for the second consecutive season. The Redbirds have dropped five of their first six contests. After snapping a four-game losing streak with a victory over IUPUI, Lamar lost Sunday at Arkansas State 93-53.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, no TV
ABOUT LAMAR (1-5): The Redbirds lost four starters from last seasonâ??s 23-win team that qualified for the NCAA Tournament. The Redbirds have struggled offensively in the early going this season, ranking 318th in the nation in scoring (57.7 points) and 308th in assists (10.2). Lamar is committing 19.3 turnovers per game, contributing to its difficulties on offense. Freshman Rhon Mitchell leads the Redbirds in scoring at 11 points. Senior Donley Minor is the only other Lamar player in double figures at 10.2.
ABOUT ALABAMA (5-0): Other than a three-point victory Nov. 15 against Oregon State, the Crimson Tide have yet to be challenged. Sophomore guards Rodney Cooper and Trevor Lacey are providing plenty of support for Releford. Cooper is averaging 15.5 points and four rebounds, while Lacey is averaging 14.8 points and 4.2 assists. The competition level rises for Alabama starting Saturday, when the Crimson Tide travels to No. 16 Cincinnati.
TIP-INS
1. Alabama received 38 points in this week’s USA Today poll, putting the Crimson Tide tied for 28th in the nation.
2. Lamar is averaging 52 points in its five losses.
3. Alabama last started 5-0 in back-to-back seasons in 1995-96 and 1996-97.
PREDICTION: Alabama 77, Lamar 52
