WATCH: Alabama basketball’s Grant Nelson talks North Dakota homecoming
For the first time since joining Alabama basketball, Grant Nelson will face old rival North Dakota (4-8) after his departure from North Dakota State.
For one night only, Grand Forks, N.D. has become “Grant” Forks as Grant Nelson and Alabama basketball face North Dakota.
Coach Nate Oats said ahead of Wednesday’s game that it’s important to the No. 7-ranked program to “take care” of its guys. Giving loved ones in Devils Lake, about an hour away from UND, the chance to see their hometown guy was much appreciated by Nelson.
With a more balanced roster at UA (8-2) than the one he had in three seasons at North Dakota State, it’s not likely that the 6-foot-11, 230 pound forward will repeat his career-best performance of 36 points against the then-rival Fighting Hawks as a junior. But the crowd noise and energy of a packed-out 3,000-seat venue like the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center could be just what Nelson needs to clinch his third double-double of the year.
North Dakota isn’t just excited for Nelson’s arrival, but the Crimson Tide’s as a whole. Coach Paul Sather commended Oats and UA for making the near-1,400 mile trip up north to the 4-8 Summit League member, knowing that teams from leagues like the SEC “don’t do that very often.”
After a historic victory against Creighton on Saturday, Alabama will play the last road game of its non-conference schedule and return home for meetings with Kent State and South Dakota State in Coleman Coliseum.
Alabama basketball vs North Dakota score updates
A chip on its shoulder looks to have paid off for UND early on. Averaging 18.6 points per game on the season, Eaglestaff surged the Fighting Hawks to a 7-point lead over Alabama with less than 12 minutes to halftime. He leads the game, shooting 4-for-6 to total nine points.
At the 13-minute mark, Alabama hadn’t scored in nearly three minutes. Behind by three, UA is 3-for-12 from the field and 0-8 from the arc, led by four points by Grant Nelson.
With 16 minutes to halftime, North Dakota leads Alabama, 11-6, after going on a 7-0 run in about 30 seconds. How? Big-time defensive rebounds for UND and three too many UA turnovers early.
The starting five for Alabama looks a little different. Freshman guard Labaron Philon will come off the bench as Oats runs one guard in Mark Sears. Joining Sears to start will be forwards Grant Nelson, Jarin Stevenson and freshman Derrion Reid, as well as center Clifford Omoruyi.
North Dakota’s starting five consists of guards Eli King, Mier Panoam and top-scorer Treyson Eaglestaff, along with forward Deng Mayar and center Amar Kuljuhovic.
What time does Alabama basketball play North Dakota today?
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 18
Start time: 8 p.m. CT
North Dakota and the Betty welcome Alabama for an 8 p.m. tipoff in Grand Forks, N.D. on Wednesday.
What channel is Alabama basketball vs North Dakota today?
TV channel: CBS Sports Network
Alabama and North Dakota’s first-ever meeting will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Alabama basketball vs North Dakota streaming options
Streaming: Fubo, Hulu, YouTube TV
In addition to the network’s website upon authentication with select providers, Alabama vs North Dakota can be streamed through Fubo, Hulu and YouTube TV.
Alabama basketball vs North Dakota predictions
ESPN‘s matchup predictor anticipates a 98.3% of UA defeating North Dakota. With UND on a three-game losing streak, including back-to-back Ls from UTSA, the Fighting Hawks will have to claw if they want to upset the Crimson Tide like they have for wins over Utah Valley, Loyola Marymount and Weber State. Nelson’s 5-1 record against UND before he had a stacked squad like UA signals even more trouble for UND as it faces its former rival.
Click here to find a score prediction for Wednesday’s game.
Alabama basketball vs North Dakota betting odds
Alabama is a 25.5-point favorite over UND, according to BetMGM.
- Spread: Alabama (-25.5)
- Over/under: 167.5 points
Next five games for Alabama basketball
After UND on Wednesday, here are the next five games for the Crimson Tide:
- Dec. 22: Kent State, 12 p.m. CT
- Dec. 29: South Dakota State, 2 p.m. CT
- Jan. 4: Oklahoma, 5 p.m. CT
- Jan. 8: at South Carolina, 6 p.m. CT
- Jan. 11: at Texas A&M, 7 p.m. CT
Next five games for North Dakota basketball
Post-Alabama, here are the next five matchups on the docket for the Fighting Hawks:
- Dec. 20: South Dakota Mines, 7 p.m. CT
- Dec. 29: Waldorf (Iowa), 2 p.m. CT
- Jan. 2: Omaha, 7 p.m. CT
- Jan. 4: St. Thomas, 1 p.m. CT
- Jan. 9: at Denver, 8 p.m. CT
Alabama basketball in the headlines
Here are the latest headlines surrounding Alabama basketball, up in the polls after an 83-75 win against Creighton over the weekend:
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
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