3 Reasons Why Alabama’s Final Game Means a Lot

Alabama will close the book on a disappointing basketball season today against Arkansas at Coleman Coliseum. While this game means almost nothing towards the postseason, there will be a few important things at stake. 

Most importantly, today marks the final game in Tuscaloosa for senior Trevor Releford. There's no argument where the point guard ranks in the Anthony Grant era, but his accomplishments place him among some of the greatest players to ever wear crimson and white.

When Releford takes the floor for his record-tying 133rd career game today, he'll rank in the top-10 at the school in eight different categories, including first in steals (257) and sixth in points (1,839). Even though he'll finish with his worst record, his legacy for the Crimson Tide will last for many years. Hopefully, fans will appreciate the moment and fill the gym this afternoon.

But honoring Releford isn't the only focus for Alabama as the regular season comes to an end. Picking up a win today is huge for two reasons: re-establishing momentum heading into the offseason and avoiding a 20-loss season.

FIrst, it's been well-documented that many fans have given up on this season quite some time ago. One win won't change that, but it will give the program something to build on moving forward, and there's no denying that a boost of energy would greatly benefit Grant's team as it looks to right the ship next year.

The second reason affects the immediate future of this year's team. Today will determine whether or it becomes just the second team in school history to amass 20 losses. While one more loss means nothing towards the outcome of this season or the future of the program, that's still a historic low point that no one wants to be associated with.

Alabama fans never imagined that this season would have played out the way it has, but there's still plenty of reason to care about the final game in Coleman Coliseum.