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The Breakfast Buffet: Alabama’s defense, Virginia/Florida State, Mid-major back-to-backs

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’s improved defense is the reason for its breakthrough season
Everyone loves the way that the Crimson Tide can score the basketball, but it’s the other side of the floor that has truly put Alabama (17-5) in position to be one of the highest seeded teams in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Last season, Nate Oats’ squad gave an average of 80.2 points during SEC play. Through 13 conference games this season, the Crimson Tide are giving up an average of just 69.8 points. Alabama is currently ranked second in defensive efficiency according to KenPom.com; it finished 114th in that same category at the end of last season. 

Virginia’s trip to Florida State
The two best teams in the ACC do battle tonight in Tallahassee in what could be the game of the year in the conference. Virginia (15-3) has won 11 of its last 12 games after falling to Gonzaga in Fort Worth on Dec. 26th, but many of those wins came against teams who are not currently projected to be in the NCAA Tournament. Florida State (11-3) meanwhile needed overtime on Saturday to get by Wake Forest at home. Leonard Hamilton’s squad has won 23 consecutive games against ACC opponents in Tallahassee.

There is no rhyme or reason to the results of mid-major back-to-backs
Many unique things have occurred during this college basketball season. One of them is the bizarre results during games in mid-major leagues that have been played in back-to-back situations. On Friday, Iona beat Manhattan by 18 points. One day later, the Jaspers returned the favor and won by seven. On Saturday, Loyola Chicago topped Drake by 27. One day later, Drake beat the Ramblers by one in overtime. These types of things have been happening all season as many smaller leagues have reduced travel in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

On The Side

  • It’s been 75 days since Gonzaga has played a game that’s been decided by single digits. And Jalen Suggs only played 26 minutes in that game on Dec. 2nd against West Virginia in the Jimmy V Classic due to injury. The Bulldogs have not played a game that’s been tight down the stretch in months.  
  • Hunter Dickinson had 15 rebounds in Michigan’s win on Sunday at Wisconsin. The Badgers’ primary big men — Nate Reuvers, and Micah Potter — had zero. Inconceivable!
  • UCLA’s Johnny Juzang took his game to another level over the weekend. In a pair of games against Washington and Washington State, the Kentucky transfer averaged 28.5 points and seven rebounds while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. Juzang has previously only scored 20 or more points in just one game this season.
  • Since losing at Minnesota on Jan. 3rd, Ohio State has scored 73 or more points in nine of its last 10 games. The Buckeyes are currently averaging 79.3 points during their current six-game winning streak. 
  • UC Santa Barbara has now won 10 straight games since dropping back-to-back tilts at UC Irvine in late December. The Gauchos are 14-3 and have not lost a game in 2021. 

Daily Specials

  • Virginia at Florida State

Leftovers: