Houston Cougars vs Alabama Crimson Tide Preview – November 26

The Houston Cougars take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Tuesday night in Las Vegas as part of the Players Era Festival. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with the game airing on TBS. Houston, looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Auburn, faces a talented Alabama squad eager to solidify its early-season form.
Both teams are among the best in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency, making this matchup a potential showcase of high-scoring basketball. The Cougars are slight favorites in this neutral-site battle, but Alabama’s dynamic lineup promises a compelling contest.
Houston Cougars
Houston enters this game with a 3-1 record, including dominant wins over Jackson State, Louisiana, and Hofstra. However, their lone loss to Auburn revealed areas for improvement. The Cougars’ defense remains a strength, ranking third nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. Their ability to pressure opponents into turnovers and block shots makes them a nightmare matchup for teams still finding their rhythm.
On offense, the Cougars are led by LJ Cryer, who has been a reliable scoring presence. Cryer is supported by Emanuel Sharp, who scored 16 points in their last outing, showcasing his efficiency from the field. Houston’s ability to shoot from deep is another key advantage, as they lead the nation in three-point shooting at 49%.
Houston will look to exploit Alabama’s struggles with perimeter defense. Their defensive intensity and depth will be critical in neutralizing the Crimson Tide’s fast-paced attack. If they can force turnovers and control the tempo, the Cougars are well-positioned to cover the spread.
Coach Kelvin Sampson emphasized the importance of responding after their loss to Auburn, saying, “It’s about effort and execution. We’ve got to play to our strengths and stick to what works.”
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama comes into this game with a 4-1 record, having shown flashes of brilliance but also moments of inconsistency. The Crimson Tide’s reliance on three-point shooting has been a hallmark under coach Nate Oats, but this season they are struggling from beyond the arc, hitting just 30% of their attempts.
Leading the Tide is Mark Sears, whose early-season slump has been a factor in Alabama’s shooting woes. Sears is joined by versatile forward Grant Nelson, who scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds in their last game. Freshman Labaron Philon has also shown promise, contributing 16 points and nine assists against Purdue.
Defensively, Alabama has struggled with consistency, especially in transition. Their jumbo lineups have led to mismatches, and their inability to hit outside shots has allowed opponents to focus on interior defense. The Crimson Tide will need to find answers quickly against Houston’s suffocating defense and efficient offense.
Coach Nate Oats acknowledged the challenges, saying, “Houston is a tough team. They pressure you on defense and capitalize on mistakes. We’ve got to stay composed and execute better.”
Pick and Prediction
This game promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, with Houston’s defense and efficient three-point shooting going up against Alabama’s fast-paced, high-volume offense. While Alabama has the talent to keep the game close, their struggles with outside shooting and turnovers make Houston the safer pick.
Look for the Cougars to control the tempo and capitalize on Alabama’s weaknesses. Houston’s balanced attack and defensive intensity should lead them to cover the spread and secure a hard-fought victory.
- Prediction: Houston Cougars 78, Alabama Crimson Tide 73