From the Sideline — Heading into the SEC Basketball Weekend

Saturday afternoon's matchup in Columbia is a really big basketball game for both Alabama and Missouri.

The Tigers are reeling a bit after losing for the second time in three league games. A loss to Vanderbilt in Memorial Gymnasium is usually not a surprise. But with the Commodores down to seven scholarship players, and winless in league play, the 3-point Vandy win over Mizzou was more than a little bit eye-opening to me.

Now the Tigers have a short turnaround for the 1 p.m. CT matchup Saturday with Alabama. The Tide is coming off their 19-point win against Miss. State, but they have to prove they can win away from Coleman Coliseum - something they have yet to do this season.

While I think Mizzou will come out ready to play, and a ticked-off Tiger fan base will likely be behind the home team early, Bama shouldn't be intimidated.

The Crimson Tide has played in tougher environments than the one they'll face tomorrow, and have been in position to win.

But they haven't.

A loss for Missouri, and I think the Tigers will start to have serious doubts about their team that suffered just one non-conference loss this season.

A loss for Alabama, and it will be tough to gain serious momentum, with home games upcoming next week against Florida and LSU.

I look for Trevor Releford to play very well in his final on-the-court visit to his home state, and for the Tide to finally get a road victory.