Rematch: Alabama set to play Gonzaga at the 2nd Annual C.M. Newton Classic in Birmingham
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National men’s college basketball powerhouse Gonzaga will play the University of Alabama for the 2nd Annual C.M. Newton Classic presented by Legacy Credit Union.Tip-off is December 17, 2022 at the recently renovated Legacy Arena in Birmingham.
Rematch
The game is a rematch of last season’s Battle in Seattle which saw Crimson Tide beat then-No. 3 Gonzaga — 91-82.
“I am looking forward to playing in front of our fans in Birmingham for a second straight year in the C.M. Newton Classic,” said Alabama head coach Nate Oats in a university news release announcing the game.
Last year, Davidson upset the Crimson Tide 79-78 in the inaugural C.M. Newton Classic.
Newton’s Legacy
One of Alabama’s most beloved coaches, Newton’s record was 221-123 during his 12 seasons at the Capstone. From 1974 to 1976, Newton led the Tide to three straight SEC Conference titles (1974-1976) and two NCAA Tournament appearances. In addition to his coaching accolades, Newton was the first coach to integrate the men’s basketball team at Alabama when Wendell Hudson of Birmingham’s Parker High joined the team in 1970.
“Coach Newton left a lasting legacy within our program, so this is a great way to honor what he meant to The University of Alabama, as well as to all of college basketball throughout his career.”
The Zags
A perennial top 10 team over the past decade, Gonzaga recently announced the return of their leading scorer Drew Timme, who recently decided to return back to college last month after entering his name for the NBA Draft.
“For a program such as Gonzaga, who is consistently one of the top programs in the nation each year, to come to the South and play us is going to be very exciting for our fans and our team,” added Oats. “We can’t wait for what I expect to be another electric atmosphere in Legacy Arena.”
Stay tuned
The game is operated by Knight Eady, a Birmingham-based sports marketing company. Watch this space for time of the game. Meanwhile, at the news conference announcing the game Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin made it clear who he supports.
“Let me start by saying the two most important words in the English language… Roll Tide.” ~Mayor Woodfin
