Preview: Alabama Visits LSU in SEC Showdown BATON ROUGE, La. (Interstat) — A surging Alabama men’s basketball team aims to extend its winning streak when it visits a struggling LSU squad in a Southeastern Conference matchup Saturday at the Maravich Assembly Center. The Crimson Tide (19-7, 11-2 SEC) have won five straight, including a dramatic 117-115 double-overtime victory over Arkansas on Wednesday. Alabama’s offense, among the nation’s most potent, has averaged 99.2 points during the streak. Alabama is powered by guard Labaron Philon, who is playing at an elite level. Over his last five games, the sophomore is averaging 26.8 points and 5.6 assists. He erupted for 35 points and seven assists in 41 minutes against the Razorbacks. Forward Aiden Sherrell, who added 26 points in that win, provides a critical inside complement. The Tigers (14-12, 5-8) have lost four of their last five, including an 85-88 road loss at Texas on Tuesday. Guard Max Mackinnon led LSU with 27 points in that contest, but his production has been inconsistent. After scoring 27 against Texas and 26 against Georgia, he was held to just two points in a 62-91 home loss to Arkansas on Feb. 10. LSU will need a complete defensive effort to slow Alabama’s high-tempo attack. The Tigers have allowed 83 or more points in four of their last five losses. Containing Philon in pick-and-roll actions will be a primary focus. For Alabama, maintaining its offensive firepower while improving its perimeter defense after allowing 115 points to Arkansas is key. The Crimson Tide won the first meeting this season, 95-74, in Tuscaloosa on Jan. 3. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST Saturday. Alabama visits Tennessee next Saturday, while LSU travels to Mississippi on Wednesday.