Alabama to play UT at Savage Arena in January

8/6/2009

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.