No. 1 Arizona vs No. 12 Alabama: Preview, Matchups, and Prediction
- Joseph Klein
- Dec 12, 2025
- 4 min read
No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 12 Alabama
Date: December 13, 2025
Location: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama
Time: 9:30 PM ET on ESPN
Teams: (1) Arizona (8–0) vs (12) Alabama (7–2)
How Do These Two Teams Match Up?
Arizona Wildcats
Arizona enters this matchup playing some of the best basketball in the country. The Wildcats are 8–0 with wins over four ranked opponents, including UCLA, Florida, and UConn. In their most recent outing against Auburn, Arizona looked dominant on both ends of the floor.
Auburn attempted to slow the Wildcats with zone coverage, but Arizona’s high-low action consistently produced easy looks. When Auburn switched to man-to-man, the results were no better. Defensively, Arizona forced Auburn into challenging attempts, ranging from no-look layups to deep step-back threes. That performance has mirrored the story of Arizona’s season so far.
According to KenPom, Arizona ranks 9th nationally in offensive efficiency. They hold the second-highest field-goal percentage in the country and rank in the top 25 in both three-point percentage and near-proximity shooting. Their paint scoring has been elite against top competition:
50 points in the paint vs Florida
38 points with a +18 differential vs UCLA
42 points with a +18 differential vs top-5 UConn
60 points with a +36 differential vs Auburn
Arizona’s interior dominance is led by freshman Koa Peat, who averages 15.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He scores primarily around the rim with power and touch, while also showcasing a smooth fadeaway jumper. Motiejus Krivas has been another key interior presence, averaging 9.8 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 71.1 percent from the field. Off the bench, Tobe Awaka provides physicality and energy, averaging 9.4 points and 10 rebounds per game.
The Wildcats’ offense extends well beyond the frontcourt. Jaden Bradley has stepped seamlessly into Caleb Love’s former role, averaging 14.5 points per game while efficiently getting to his spots, particularly in the paint. His most notable improvement has been from beyond the arc, where he is shooting 58.3 percent. Anthony Dell’Orso has also been productive off the bench, averaging 11.3 points while shooting 41.4 percent from three. Brayden Burries, despite shooting under 35 percent from deep, averages 10.6 points and has been impactful defensively.
Defensively, Arizona ranks 9th in KenPom defensive efficiency. They are sixth nationally in defending close-range shots and allow the sixth-lowest opponent field-goal percentage. Their ability to toggle between man and zone has been a significant strength, though Alabama’s perimeter attack may limit how often they can deploy zone coverage in this matchup.
Alabama Crimson Tide Breakdown
Alabama enters on a four-game winning streak and owns the second-highest offensive efficiency in the country according to KenPom. The Crimson Tide plays at the seventh-fastest pace nationally and generates an enormous volume of three-point attempts. While they rank 43rd in three-point percentage, that figure understates their offensive threat because of their shot volume. In their most recent game, Alabama attempted 57 three-pointers, the most in program history. They also rank third nationally in mid-range shooting percentage.
Labaron Philon Jr. leads the way, averaging 21.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 56.6 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from three. He has delivered in big moments, scoring 29 points against Gonzaga, 24 against Illinois, and 25 against St. John’s. Aden Holloway forms a dangerous backcourt tandem with Philon, averaging 18.2 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 42.9 percent from three on 8.2 attempts per game.
Alabama’s frontcourt depth includes:
Amari Allen: 10.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG
Aiden Sherrell: 8+ PPG, 6.2 RPG
Houston Mallette: 8+ PPG, 3.7 RPG
At the center of Alabama’s interior defense is Taylor Bol Bowen, who averages 10.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Bowen missed the Clemson game, where Alabama surrendered 50 paint points, but is expected to play. His rim protection and physicality will be critical in slowing Arizona’s interior attack.
Defensively, Alabama ranks 45th in KenPom efficiency, and their struggles against elite opponents have been evident:
96 points allowed vs St. John’s
87 vs Purdue
86 vs Illinois
95 vs Gonzaga
They have also struggled to defend the paint, particularly when Bowen is out or in foul trouble. Alabama lost the paint battle by 18 against Clemson and now faces arguably the best interior team in the country.
Keys to the Game
Keys for Arizona
Defense: Arizona’s defensive versatility will be tested against the nation’s second-ranked offense.
Maintain Offensive Efficiency: Alabama’s pace ensures a high-possession game. Arizona must continue to score efficiently.
Dominate the Paint: Arizona’s clearest advantage. If Bowen gets into foul trouble, the Wildcats take control.
Keys for Alabama
Taylor Bol Bowen’s Presence: Alabama cannot afford another lopsided paint battle. Bowen must protect the rim and stay on the floor.
Make the Three Ball: Alabama will generate open looks. They likely need to shoot above 43 percent from three to win.
Final Thoughts
Both teams are battle-tested and explosive offensively, and this game could reach the high 90s or even the 100s. The contrast in styles will define the matchup, with Alabama relying on perimeter firepower and Arizona asserting interior dominance.
Ultimately, this game comes down to one question: who makes shots when it matters most?
Arizona has looked dominant in every major test this season, and Tommy Lloyd continues to make sound in-game adjustments. Alabama’s environment will be challenging, but Arizona’s balance, efficiency, and paint scoring give them the edge in what should be a high-scoring shootout.
Prediction: Arizona wins a shootout.
