In one of those difficult 8/9 match-ups, the high-scoring Creighton Blue Jays take on the physical Alabama Crimson Tide. Led by sharpshooter Doug McDermott (61 field goal percentage), Creighton scores the seventh most points in the nation and has the best overall shooting percentage. Can Alabama's defense, which gives up less than 60 points per game, hold off Creighton in the first round?
NO. 8 CREIGHTON
Overall Record: 28-5
Conference Record: 14-4
Conference Tournament Outcome Won Missouri Valley Conference Tournament
Points Scored Per Game: 80.0
Points Allowed Per Game: 69.6
AP Ranking: 19
RPI Ranking: 25
KenPom Ranking: 34
Standout Player: Doug McDermott
Season In Review: Besides a three-game losing streak in February, Creighton has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the season. The Bluejays don't have any wins over ranked opponents, but they did beat three Big Ten teams (Iowa, Nebraska and Northwestern). They have won seven in a row going into the NCAA Tournament, including the conference championship.
Tournament Experience: 9-17, 16 appearances
NO. 9 ALABAMA
Overall Record: 21-11
Conference Record: 9-7
Conference Tournament Outcome Lost To Florida In Quarterfinals
Points Scored Per Game: 64.9
Points Allowed Per Game: 58.1
AP Ranking: none
RPI Ranking: 35
KenPom Ranking: 29
Standout Player: JaMychal Green
Season In Review: Alabama played extremely well at the beginning of the season, winning the Puerto Rico Tip-Off title with victories over two tournament teams Wichita State and Purdue. But the Crimson Tide fell off course with a four-game losing streak. But winning four of their last five regular season games and a victory over South Carolina in the conference tournament helped push Alabama to the big dance.
Tournament Experience: 21-19, 19 appearances
Related
Before You Go
Click HERE for Printable 2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket and stay tuned for in-depth coverage of March Madness throughout the tournament.