Published: 8/6/2009

Alabama to play UT at Savage Arena in January

The University of Toledo men's basketball team announced Wednesday that it will play host to Alabama on Jan. 4, 2010.

It's the second time in three years that a Southeastern Conference school will play at Savage Hall. Vanderbilt beat the Rockets 77-70 on Nov. 13, 2007.

The Rockets will travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., for a return game at a date to be determined in the 2010-11 season.

"We're thrilled to be hosting Alabama in Savage Arena," UT coach Gene Cross said. "I think playing a perennial SEC power led by a terrific coach in Anthony Grant will be another great opportunity for our fans to come out and support our program. This game will definitely be a great challenge for our young men."

Alabama posted an 18-14 record last season and is guided by Grant, a first-year coach. Junior guard Senario Hillman is the Crimson Tide's leading returning scorer with 12.9 points per game.

UT's only previous meeting against Alabama was a 79-69 loss in the second round of the 2001 National Invitation Tournament.

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