This would be a good time to advise coach Rob Spivery to take just one suit to Memphis. If only he didn't already wear the same ensemble every game. Don't be surprised if Alabama State makes Michigan State sweat. The Hornets are poised enough not to be blinded by any bright lights and big city. After winning the SWAC title game, senior point guard Tobarie Burton said the players would celebrate Saturday night.
Nothing helps a young team more than playing tournament games.
The Tide and Tigers both are good enough to get to New York, and Alabama owns some extra motivation. Its NCAA Tournament drought is now six years, the longest absence for the program since its first trip in 1975. Every team in the SEC has made the field since Alabama last made the field. So have five teams in the state. The schedule wasn't tough enough on the front end.