Alabama vs Hofstra: Guard Showdown in NCAA

0:00On March 20th, Alabama faces Hofstra on Friday in a first-round NCAA tournament match-up featuring a star-studded guard battle. LeBarran Phylon Jr., from Alabama, will square off against Coastal Athletic Association Player of the Year, Cruz Davis. Phylon has already handled top national guards this season, and both sides see this as a pivotal clash. Hofstra boasts a strong back court duo with Davis averaging 20.2 points and 4.6 assists per game, while shooting 40 percent, from 3. Freshman standout, Preston Edmie chips, and 15.9 points and 4.4 assists, helping the pride drop just one game since early, February. Players on both teams respect the challenge ahead, with Phylon calling Davis a great guard, and Davis praising Phylon's scoring touch. Alabama coach Nate Oates highlights how the pair makes it tough to trap either one without opening driving lanes for the other. The game's big storyline is tempo, pitting Alabama's number 4 ranked fast pace against Hofstra's deliberate number 317 adjusted.

1:05Speed Hofstra slowed a similar fast team recently, holding them the 61 points after an earlier high-scoring loss, and plans to grind it out again. Whoever dictates the pace, Alabama pushing transitions or Hofstra controlling the half-court, stands the best chance to advance, making this. Guard Driven Showdown 1 to watch closely.