Johnson gets first win at Vanderbilt…

     It was a good night. Any time an Alabama team beats Vanderbilt in Nashville makes it a good night. Avery Johnson got a big-time win. Riley Norris provided leadership and showed younger players how to man up and win. The Tides record is now 15-8 overall and 6-4 in the SEC. That’s good for 5^th place with Ole Miss. Alabama has beaten Ole Miss once this season but won’t get replay unless they meet in the SECT.

     The Tide had to shut down a Vandy comeback after building a 16-point lead. The Commodores cut into the lead, but behind the strong rebounding of Riley and deadly downtown shooting the Tide settled down to an impressive road win. Any win on the road in the highly competitive SEC is impressive. Riley finished the night with 15 points with three three-point baskets when the Tide needed them most.  He also had 12 big rebounds, including three which help curb a Vandy run late the game. He also made 6-7 free throws. The Tide nailed 17-21 free throws. Alabama players seemed better focused on the free throws. 80% is a big number for any team. 

      Kira Lewis, Jr. led all scorers with 18 points, 4 assists, and only two turnovers. He was relaxed and the Vandy crowd didn’t intimidate him. Dazon Ingram has another outstanding game. He made 3 three-point baskets. If Alabama can continue that kind of outside shooting they are going to win some big games down the line. Call him Don’ta “downtown” Hall. Hall made his first three-point basket of his career. He stepped back behind the line and nailed it from the top of the key. Hall also made both his free throws to continue better free throw shooting recently. All in all, it was a big win for Alabama on a court where they have historically struggled. Yes, the refs helped them along late in the game, but Alabama responded with a strong run themselves. For a minute it appeared that Alabama might throw another game away. It didn’t happen. Lewis and Riley showed a new ‘Bama attitude. The Refuse to Lose mentality was key. (Compliments of Xerxes). And once again, Giddens helped inside.

    Tomorrow we will talk about the Tide’s remaining games.