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The Breakfast Buffet: Alabama’s statement, the Big Ten doesn’t appear to have much of a bottom, Julian Phillips

Who’s hungry for college basketball?

Here’s today’s installment of “The Breakfast Buffet”, a daily column that can be found here every single morning getting you caught up to date on everything that’s happened from the day/night before and everything that’s going to happen in the next 24 hours.

Mangia!

Things To Sample

Alabama made a statement at Houston
Beating the Cougars — who were ranked No. 1 in last week’s ROTHSTEIN 45 — is an incredible accomplishment. Beating at the Cougars on the road when four of your freshmen — Jaden Bradley, Rylan Griffen, Noah Clowney, and Brandon Miller — played 18 minutes or more is beyond an incredible accomplishment. No one knew for sure how the Crimson Tide would react in the environment that it encountered on Saturday, but they responded in impressive fashion. Alabama shot only 40.7 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from three-point range, but outwilled Houston on the glass and out rebounded the Cougars 44-39 en route to a 71-65 victory. Nate Oats’ squad improved to 8-1 with the triumph, with its only loss coming against UConn. The Crimson Tide are a major threat to again compete for an SEC regular season title and a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The Big Ten doesn’t appear to have much of a bottom
With the exception of Minnesota — who enters tonight’s game against Mississippi State in Minneapolis at 4-5 — every single team in this conference appears to be capable of beating anyone. Nebraska — who was picked last in the Big Ten Preseason Poll — has already beaten Creighton and taken Purdue to overtime. Northwestern? The Wildcats were picked 13th in the Big Ten Preseason Poll and have already won at Michigan State and lost to Auburn on a neutral court by a single point. Penn State — who was picked 11th — won by double figures on Saturday at Illinois. As usual, there’s no “get well” games in the Big Ten.

Julian Phillips is on the verge of breaking out nationally
Don’t be surprised if it happens today against Maryland at the Barclays Center. A five-star prospect, the 6-8 Phillips is starting to get into a rhythm for the Vols and is averaging 15 points and 6.6 rebounds over his last five games. On a team loaded with veterans, Phillips is the type of player that could alter Tennessee’s ceiling as the calendar turns to 2023. Today’s game in Brooklyn is a Sweet 16 caliber matchup. Don’t be surprised if Phillips is a major story upon its conclusion.

On The Side

  • Illinois’ Terrence Shannon Jr. is just 8-32 from three-point range in his last five games. Shannon was 15-26 from three-point range in the first four games of the 2022-23 season.
  • Today’s game between Oklahoma State (6-3) and Virginia Tech (9-1) at the Barclays Center is a reunion of sorts for Mike Boynton and Mike Young. Boynton — who is now in his sixth season as head coach of the Cowboys — was Young’s top assistant at Wofford during the 2007-08 campaign.
  • Rutgers is 2-0 under Steve Pikiell against Seton Hall in games that have been played in Piscataway. The annual Garden State rivalry happens tonight at the RAC (Yes, it’s still the RAC).
  • Mississippi State (8-0) is a defensive minded team, but if the Bulldogs did have a star offensively, it would be Tolu Smith. The 6-11 big man is averaging 16.3 points and 10 rebounds entering tonight’s game at Minnesota.
  • UConn’s Andre Jackson now has 22 assists to just one turnover in his last four games. The 6-6 junior is separating himself as the top utility player in the sport.

Daily Specials

  • Oklahoma State/Virginia Tech (Barclays Center)
  • Maryland/Tennessee (Barclays Center)
  • Seton Hall at Rutgers
  • Wisconsin at Iowa
  • Mississippi State at Minnesota

Leftovers