Tide and Wildcats Set Date for C.M. Newton Classic

The Alabama Crimson Tide are in Phoenix, Arizona preparing for the Final Four. However, this is not the first time Alabama has been in Phoenix this season.

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Back in December, which feels like a lifetime ago compared to where the Crimson Tide are now, Alabama came to Phoenix to play in a neutral site game against the Arizona Wildcats. The Tide lost that game but got the last laugh. Arizona lost to the Clemson Tigers in the Sweet 16 of this year's NCAA Tournament, which the Tide then beat in the Elite Eight.

But Nick Pringle has talked about Alabama being on a bit of a revenge tour this postseason. Alabama got revenge from an earlier season loss to the Clemson Tigers. Now, Alabama has a date for their revenge game against Arizona, but they'll have to wait until next season.

While Alabama-Arizona was technically a neutral site game in December 2023, it was considerably closer to the Wildcats than the Tide. Now, Alabama will get the chance to return the favor in the 2024 C.M Newton Classic.

On December 18, 2024, the Tide will take on the Wildcats in Legacy Arena for the C.M. Newton Classic.

Alabama is expected to look vastly different in that game. Aaron Estrada is out of eligibility after the Tide's tournament run is over, and Mark Sears has shown he can be a high-level scorer against NBA-level talent. That's Alabama's top two guards that might not be back in Tuscaloosa as players.

Whatever Alabama looks like next season, Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats will have them ready for what could potentially be a preview of an Elite Eight or Final Four matchup in 2025.