Preview: Alabama Hosts Troy in Non-Conference Finale TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — An unbeaten Alabama squad faces one of its toughest non-conference tests Sunday when the 13th-ranked Crimson Tide hosts the surging Troy Trojans in a women’s basketball matchup at Coleman Coliseum. The Crimson Tide (13-0) is one of 11 remaining undefeated teams in NCAA Division I and is coming off an 81-52 rout of Tulane on Wednesday. Alabama has won its games by an average margin of 24.2 points, with its closest contest a 63-58 road win at Minnesota last month. Guard Jessica Timmons has been a catalyst, averaging 17.1 points per game. She scored 18 points with five assists against Tulane and has topped 17 points in five of her last seven outings. “We’ve built some good momentum, but we know the level of challenge is going up,” Alabama coach Kristy Curry said. “Troy is an extremely well-coached, talented team that knows how to win.” The Trojans (10-1) bring a nine-game winning streak to Tuscaloosa, their lone loss an 81-59 setback at Kansas State in November. Troy is averaging 85.5 points per game during its streak, including a 132-point outburst against Oakwood and an 81-59 road win at Old Dominion last time out. Troy’s success is anchored by forward Zay Dyer, who is averaging a double-double. She dominated Old Dominion with 25 points and 14 rebounds in 33 minutes. In her last five games, Dyer has three double-doubles and is averaging 14.2 points and 11.8 rebounds. “Zay sets the tone for us with her energy and effort on both ends,” Troy coach Chanda Rigby said. “Playing a ranked opponent like Alabama on the road is why you schedule these games. It’s a great opportunity to measure ourselves.” This game serves as the final non-conference tune-up for both teams before league play begins in January. Alabama opens its Southeastern Conference slate on the road at South Carolina on Jan. 1. Troy begins Sun Belt Conference play at Louisiana-Lafayette the same day. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST Sunday. Alabama leads the all-time series 3-0, with the last meeting a 90-68 Crimson Tide victory in 2016.