Alabama vs. Kentucky FREE LIVE STREAM (2/22/25): Watch college basketball online| Time, TV channel

In a highly anticipated Southeastern Conference (SEC) showdown, the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide are set to host the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET, with the game broadcast live on ESPN. Fans can also stream the action online through ESPN+ or via the ESPN app. citeturn0search1

**Season Overview**

Alabama enters the matchup with a 21-5 overall record, including a 10-3 mark in SEC play. The Crimson Tide have been an offensive powerhouse this season, leading the nation with an average of 90.6 points per game. However, they are currently on a two-game losing streak, having recently fallen to No. 1 Auburn and unranked Missouri. citeturn0search1

Kentucky stands at 18-8 overall and 7-6 in the SEC. The Wildcats have faced challenges with consistency, going 4-4 in their last eight games. Despite setbacks, they secured a convincing 82-61 victory over Vanderbilt in their most recent outing. citeturn0search1

**Key Players to Watch**

For Alabama, senior guard Mark Sears has been a standout performer, averaging 18.5 points and 4.8 assists per game. His ability to score and facilitate makes him a central figure in the Crimson Tide’s high-octane offense. Forward Grant Nelson complements Sears, contributing 12.5 points and a team-leading 8.1 rebounds per game. citeturn0search10

Kentucky’s offense is spearheaded by guard Otega Oweh, who leads the team with 16.2 points per game and adds 4.7 rebounds. Forward Amari Williams has been a force in the paint, averaging 10.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest. However, the Wildcats will be without key players Lamont Butler and Jaxson Robinson due to injuries, which could impact their depth and performance. citeturn0search10

**Previous Meeting**

The two teams last met on January 18, 2025, in Lexington, where Alabama edged out Kentucky with a 102-97 victory. In that high-scoring affair, Grant Nelson recorded a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Mark Sears added 24 points and nine assists. For Kentucky, Otega Oweh led the way with 21 points, and Lamont Butler contributed 17 points and eight assists. citeturn0search8

**Statistical Insights**

– **Offense:** Alabama leads the nation with 90.6 points per game, while Kentucky ranks third, averaging 85.8 points. citeturn0search10

– **Defense:** The Crimson Tide allow 80.3 points per game, placing them 349th nationally, whereas the Wildcats concede 75.7 points, ranking 289th. citeturn0search10

– **Rebounding:** Alabama secures 39.9 rebounds per game, ranking second in the nation, while Kentucky averages 35.1 rebounds, placing them 41st. citeturn0search10

**Implications and Predictions**

This game holds significant implications for SEC standings and NCAA tournament seeding. Alabama aims to halt their recent skid and maintain their position atop the conference, while Kentucky seeks a statement win to bolster their postseason resume.

Given Alabama’s potent offense and home-court advantage, they are favored in this matchup. However, Kentucky’s recent defensive improvements and resilience, even amid injuries, suggest they could pose a formidable challenge. The absence of key players like Butler and Robinson may tilt the scales in Alabama’s favor, but the Wildcats’ depth and adaptability cannot be underestimated.

Fans can anticipate a high-scoring, fast-paced contest reflective of both teams’ offensive prowess. The outcome may hinge on defensive stops and the ability to control the tempo, making for an exciting and pivotal SEC showdown.

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