Alabama Basketball: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of the Last Three Games
The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team has seen its fair share of highs and lows in the last three games. With thrilling victories and tough losses, these matchups showcased both the strengths and areas of improvement for the team as they march toward the heart of their season. Let’s break down the good, bad, and ugly of each game.
Game 1: Alabama vs. Ole Miss – January 14, 2025
Result: Alabama 64, Ole Miss 74
Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL
The Good:
- Strong First Half: Despite the eventual loss, Alabama showed promise in the first half. They entered halftime with a 36-32 lead, playing solid offense and defense in the opening 20 minutes. Their ability to set the tone early was a sign of the potential they possess when focused.
- Individual Efforts: Forward Grant Nelson was a bright spot, contributing a solid 18 points and playing with energy. His all-around effort highlighted Alabama’s capability to execute in key areas, like transitioning and defending.
The Bad:
- Turnovers: One of the biggest issues was Alabama’s ball control. They committed 21 turnovers throughout the game, which led to numerous fast-break points for Ole Miss. This disruption in offensive flow ultimately hindered the Tide’s ability to capitalize on their possessions.
- Poor Shooting: Alabama’s shooting woes were evident, especially from beyond the arc. The team shot just 25% from three-point range, well below their usual standards. This poor shooting performance made it difficult for them to keep up with Ole Miss during the second half.
The Ugly:
- Defensive Rebounding: Despite having a lead at halftime, Alabama struggled mightily on the boards. They were outrebounded by Ole Miss, including an alarming number of offensive rebounds, which gave the Rebels second-chance opportunities. This lack of control in the paint was a major factor in the loss.
- Late-Game Collapse: After a promising first half, Alabama faltered in the second. Their inability to close out the game allowed Ole Miss to pull ahead, and the Crimson Tide were unable to regain control. This collapse was a tough blow to their momentum.
Game 2: Alabama vs. Kentucky – January 18, 2025
Result: Alabama 102, Kentucky 97
Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
The Good:
- Offensive Explosion: Alabama bounced back with a thrilling 102-97 victory over Kentucky, showcasing their offensive firepower. The Tide shot over 50% from the field and were led by Grant Nelson, who exploded for 25 points and 11 rebounds. The team’s scoring depth was on full display, with multiple players contributing to the offensive barrage.
- Free-Throw Efficiency: One of the shining aspects of Alabama’s performance was their improvement at the free-throw line. They made 29 of 34 attempts, an impressive 85% shooting rate. This strong free-throw shooting helped them maintain a cushion throughout the game, especially in the final moments.
The Bad:
- Defensive Struggles: Despite the high-scoring win, Alabama’s defense was lackluster at times. They allowed Kentucky to score 97 points, and the Wildcats found too many open looks throughout the game. The Tide’s inability to stop Kentucky’s key scorers and contain the Wildcats’ fast break ultimately made the game closer than it should have been.
- Late-Game Fouling: In the final minutes of the game, Alabama committed several fouls, which allowed Kentucky to stay within striking distance. This late-game fouling is an area Alabama will need to clean up moving forward to avoid giving opponents easy points.
The Ugly:
- Defensive Rebounding: Kentucky had 12 offensive rebounds in the game, allowing them multiple second-chance opportunities. Alabama struggled to secure the ball off the glass, and this failure to box out and rebound defensively kept Kentucky in the game longer than expected.
- Turnovers: Although Alabama did a better job in this game compared to the Ole Miss game, they still turned the ball over 10 times. This number wasn’t catastrophic, but in a high-scoring game like this, every possession counts, and turnovers gave Kentucky some easy opportunities.
Game 3: Alabama vs. Mississippi State – January 21, 2025
Result: Alabama 85, Mississippi State 72
Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL
The Good:
- Balanced Scoring Attack: Alabama’s victory over Mississippi State was marked by an impressive team effort on offense. Mark Sears led the team with 22 points and 8 assists, but the team had multiple players contribute, making it difficult for the Bulldogs to key in on any one player. This balanced scoring approach was crucial in securing the win.
- Defensive Discipline: In contrast to previous games, Alabama’s defense was much more consistent in this matchup. The team held Mississippi State to just 72 points and forced 15 turnovers. Their ability to play with intensity on defense was a crucial factor in the win.
The Bad:
- Free-Throw Woes: One area Alabama continues to struggle with is free-throw shooting. In this game, they only shot 65% from the line, a stark contrast to their performance against Kentucky. In close games, free throws can often make the difference, and Alabama will need to improve in this department going forward.
- Inconsistent Three-Point Shooting: Alabama’s shooting from beyond the arc was also a bit off in this game. They made just 30% of their three-point attempts, which can be an issue in future games if they don’t get their perimeter shooting on track.
The Ugly:
- Defensive Rebounding: Despite the win, Alabama’s defensive rebounding was still an issue. Mississippi State grabbed 12 offensive rebounds, and the Bulldogs were able to convert those opportunities into second-chance points. Alabama will need to make better efforts to box out and secure the ball off the glass.
- Late-Game Execution: Although Alabama had a solid lead throughout most of the game, they allowed Mississippi State to cut the lead to single digits in the final minutes. This lapse in focus allowed the Bulldogs to make the game feel closer than it should have been, and Alabama will need to work on closing out games more effectively.
Conclusion
Looking back at Alabama’s last three games, the team has demonstrated both promise and areas for improvement. The offense has been dynamic, with strong individual performances and explosive scoring, particularly in the victory over Kentucky. However, the team’s inconsistency in areas like defense, rebounding, and free-throw shooting remains a significant concern.
As Alabama moves forward in their schedule, they must focus on cleaning up their defensive lapses, minimizing turnovers, and improving their free-throw shooting. If they can address these weaknesses, the Crimson Tide will be a force to reckon with in the SEC and beyond.