Missouri men's basketball team, with a 14-6 overall record and a 4-3 SEC standing, is set to face No. 23 Alabama at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa on January 27 at 7 p.m. The Tigers aim to upset the Crimson Tide in an important SEC game. Missouri recently secured an overtime victory against Oklahoma, highlighted by buzzer-beaters from Trent Pierce and Mark Mitchell, and notable performances from players like T.O. Barrett, who scored a career-high 21 points in his first start. Mitchell leads the team with 17.7 points per game, and the Tigers average 80.7 points per game overall. Alabama, with a 13-6 record and ranked No. 23 nationally, is led by Labaron Philon (22.2 PPG) and Aden Holloway (17.7 PPG). The Crimson Tide boasts a potent offense, averaging 92.1 points per game, and has recently experienced mixed results in SEC play, with wins over Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma, but losses to Vanderbilt, Texas, and Tennessee. The team has a returning player, Charles Bediako, who made headlines with his return amid NCAA court controversies. Alabama's roster includes transfers and freshmen, with notable contributors like Amari Allen, who is doubtful for the game. The game is expected to be highly competitive, with Missouri needing to play tough, especially from beyond the arc, and to focus on execution in close situations. Alabama's offensive firepower and home-court advantage pose significant challenges for the Tigers, who will look to leverage their recent momentum and aim for an SEC upset. The prediction favors Alabama with a score of 78-70, citing their offensive strength and the Tigers' historical struggles at Tuscaloosa.