Consider it a wake-up call on Friday as Sun Bbelt contender Arkansas State made the high-ranked Tide sweat a bit before notching an 88-79 win. Bama had bolted to an early 15-point lead but lost some focus thereafter and the capable Red Wolves made a move. Expect Nate Oats to remind his team to be on the alert for Will Wade's McNeese, which made the Dance last season and is favored to repeat in the Southland with much the same look as last year's 30-win side. AN early loss to South Dakota State, however, exposed some potential defensive frailties. Oats has plenty of firepower as his offense has scored at a 99 pg clip the first two despite hitting only 28.6% of its triples. Would not expect another 6 for 31 shooting effort beyond the arc, or missing a whopping 16 FTs, as the Tide did vs. Ark State. Play Alabama