I’m here at Coleman Coliseum on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Tip-off is in 15 minutes, at 5 p.m. local time. The Crimson Tide (9-3) last faced Iowa State and came away with an 83-68 win. The three losses are to then-No. 4 Georgetown, at then-No. 9 Texas A&M and Belmont. Just watching Bama warm up, it is clear that they are a very good team.
The biggest challenge for the Colonials will be stopping 6-foot-9 junior Richard Hendrix. The forward averages a double-double (19.6 points, 10.1 rebounds) and was named to the pre-season All-SEC First Team.

GW Sports Information Director Brad Bower said senior Maureece Rice, who has been at the center of much speculation the past week after being suspended for the Colonials’ game against Longwood Dec. 23 (a 63-54 GW win), will be starting. Rice’s suspension was for breaking an unspecified team rule.
More to come after the tip.