Alabama presses the issue in second half to 74-67 win over New Mexico

Bama proves they can win without Green...

Hines battles for rebound in Tide win.

     Bama beat the Lobos going away although some lapses at freethrow line made the game seem much closer than played. The Tide proved two things to themselves on Monday night. First, they proved they can win without their star player, JaMichael Green. Green sat half the a lot of the  game in foul trouble. The Crimson also showed their outside game is better than advertised when they hit 6-14 from downtown and that will win you a lot of games.

     Davis sparked the Tide big run in the second half behind two big threes. But it was Trevor Releford and Tony Mitchell that picked up the slack when the big dog was on the bench. Releford worked his magic around the lane and hit a bank in three right before the half that lifted the Tide to a four point half time lead.

Grant showed Bama can win with
Green in foul trouble

     Alabama fans won't have to worry about Mitchell going to the NBA next season but if NASA comes calling it could be different. The astronaut man soared above the rim time and time again to throw down missed shots and lobs. All this occurred while Green sat. Green picked up third foul on a charge early in the second half. A few minutes later we was back in the lineup when Hines picked up his third foul. Two key players in foul trouble could have been serious. Grant, engineered an offense that opened the floor and took advantage of Releford's craftiness and Mitchells's acrobatics instead.

     The New Mexico zone stymied the Tide in the first half. Once Grant was able to keep Green in the game the Tide took control. With Green flashing on the post he was able to find a cutting Mitchell to the basket. When Davis and Mitchell started making the threes it was over. We had speculated yesterday that a tight zone and foul trouble might beat the Tide. Congrats to the coaches and players for finding a way. Bama moves to 19-0 at home with red hot Miami up on Wednesday night.  The Hurricane's beat Missouri State in a mismatch on Monday.

Tennessee fires Bruce Pearl...

     Tennessee pulled the plug on Bruce Pearl. It was overdue. And regardless what others may say the Vols will be better without their renegade coach. Being better means something more than just wins and losses, especially for a program that has run afoul with the NCAA in two major sports. Let's hope the NCAA will suspend Lane "the Mouth" Kiffin his in your face behavior. I doubt if any sports program has had to endure more than the Vols. The school might deserve what the have coming but not all the fans agreed with either head man. The inequity of banning players for misdeeds but not coaches is unfair and needs revision. It is generally the coaches that entice players to cheat. I suggest a lifetime ban for a second major violation. Unless, of course, the coaches didn't know. LOL