As far as weeknight matchups in November are concerned, it doesn’t get much bigger than tonight’s opening round battle in the Phil Knight Invitational between the undefeated 18th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0; Kenpom: 11; T-Rank: 19) and the 12th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (3-1; Kenpom: 23; T-Rank: 23). I certainly can’t think of a more meaningful Thanksgiving night Tide Hoops game in recent memory. Part of the reason this game is so highly anticipated is that the Spartans have been tested this season. Michigan State has already gone toe-to-toe with #6 Gonzaga (L 63-64), #15 Kentucky (W 86-77 2OT), and Villanova (W 73-71) - some of the best programs in college basketball - yet have come out showing that they are every bit a contender both in the Big Ten and nationally this year.
Bama Basketball Breakdown: #12 Michigan State
