Tide takes on Tennessee at Noon today.

Fulkerson out with a facial fracture and concussion. Primo unlikely... 

   While no official word has been given by the AD about Joshua Primo's injury, it appears he will not play today. With 12 minutes left in the second half to the Mississippi State game, Primo was on the receiving end of an Iverson Molinari dive for a loose ball. The freshman could not put any weight on his leg as he was escorted to the locker room. Nate Oats said he was taken to the hospital immediately. 

     John Fulkerson has knocked senseless by two blows to his head thrown by Florida's Omar Payne. Payne was ejected from the game. It was clearly an intentional blow.  News reports are that Fulkerson has a fracture to a facial bone and a concussion.  Tennessee AD reports he will not play today. 

     Alabama is a 3 1/2 point favorite at 9:45 am. Some houses have the Tide, a 4 point favorite.  The winner of today's game will advance to the finals of the SEC Tournament played on Sunday. The winner will face either LSU or Arkansas. Arkansas is listed as a 4 point favorite in that game. 

     For Alabama, the question is who will start in place of Primo. My source tells me that it will be Keon Ellis or Jahvon Quinerly.  Oats likes JQ coming off the bench as the 6th man, but we'll see. The Tide starters' remainders are Petty, Jr., Herb Jones, Jason Bruner, and Jaden Shackleford. This is a  more talented team than Bama played earlier in the season. 

HOW DOES THE TIDE WIN?

1.  Alabama needs to keep Pons away from the basket when Shackleford or Quinerly drives the lane. 

2.  Bama needs to get early fouls on Pons to negate his shot-blocking. The loss of Fulkerson will help the Tide in the paint,  but Pons is a load.

3.  Downtown shots need to fall early and often.  

4.  Keep the turnovers down to 10

5.  Run the floor like a scalded dog, and try to wear down the Vols. Most Tn. players logged in the 30 + minutes against Florida.

6.  Make 75% or better from the line.

7.   Play the same aggressive defense shown against State. 

 Look for Darius Miles to get some extra minutes today. He's ready

Update:  Primo has an MCL sprain according to UA AD's office. He will miss today but can return in a week or so.