Tonight is a duel between 3-1 SEC teams, and both teams' NCAA hopes can be impacted in a major way by how this game turns out. The hot-shooting Crimson Tide welcomes the Kentucky Wildcats in a tilt between two of the winningest programs in the SEC.

Game particulars as follows, courtesy of UKAthletics.com:

Gameday Information
Kentucky at Alabama Tues., Jan. 22 - 9:00 p.m. ET Tuscaloosa, Ala. Game Notes: UK | UA
Coverage
TV: ESPN Radio: UK IMG Live Video via WatchESPN Online Audio Gametracker Text Updates

Kentucky really needs this game, and it won't be easy. Here's what I'm hoping for:

• Continued smoother offense. I thought Kentucky looked better offensively without Willie Cauley-Stein than with him in the twin towers alignment.
• Kyle Wiltjer to keep doing what he has doing. This would be his third good game in a row if it happens, and a sign that he really is finally finding his game.
• Archie Goodwin to continue to play under control. It will be harder this game because of the demands on his defense, and I fear we may see wild Archie make an appearance.
• Ryan Harrow to take better care of the ball than last game, and make some perimeter shots.
• Strong perimeter defense. If the perimeter defense is poor, Kentucky is likely to lose.
• Nerlens Noel to dominate the paint. Gueye should be no match for his extreme quickness and athleticism.
• Offensive rebounding. Kentucky was okay last game, and needs to be better tonight.

I am very nervous about this one. Alabama has been getting it together, and they can really score. Kentucky is playing better, but this is a much sterner test than Auburn.

Go, 'Cats!