TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — Sam Houston will open its men’s NCAA Division I basketball season on Tuesday as the visiting Bearkats face Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. Both teams enter the game with 0-0 records. The matchup gives Sam Houston an early test against a Crimson Tide program playing at home in Tuscaloosa. Alabama will look to start its season on its home floor before a challenging nonconference schedule.

Sam Houston’s most recent result was a 107-83 loss at New Mexico. The Bearkats will be seeking a stronger start after that result. Sam Houston’s upcoming schedule includes home games against Howard Payne and Pepperdine, followed by road contests at Illinois, Wyoming, Boise State, Washington State, Rice, Denver and Nevada, along with a home game against Paul Quinn. The Bearkats will face a difficult stretch away from home, but the opener at Alabama offers an early chance to measure the team against a high-major opponent.

Alabama’s most recent result was a 90-77 loss at Michigan. The Crimson Tide will begin the season at home before games against Arkansas State, Oakland, Seton Hall, Kennesaw State and Baylor, among others. Alabama also has upcoming games against Miami (FL), Houston, Saint John’s, South Florida and Iowa. The Crimson Tide’s schedule includes several neutral-site and road opportunities, but the first focus will be Sam Houston.

The Bearkats and Crimson Tide are both 0-0, so the opener will be the first official test for each team. The contest is the first scheduled game for both programs, and each team will be eager to set a tone for the season. Sam Houston will try to use its road experience and recent NCAA Division I play to challenge Alabama. The Crimson Tide will rely on playing at home in Coleman Coliseum, where the team will open its schedule. The game is part of a busy opening stretch for both programs. The game will be one of several early-season contests for both teams as they build toward conference play. The game is a nonconference matchup.

Sam Houston’s nickname is Bearkats, and Alabama’s nickname is Crimson Tide. The contest is a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game. It will be played at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Bearkats will make the trip to Tuscaloosa as the visiting team, while the Crimson Tide will have the home-court advantage at Coleman Coliseum. Both teams will be looking to establish momentum early in the season.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Alabama 97, Sam Houston 88.