Next Four games will tell the tale of Alabama and the NCAAT...
A few free throws and field goals missed can make a world of difference over the course of the season. Some lapses of defensive assignments can make or break a season. That is the story for the Crimson Tide in 2018-19. Despite the close losses, the blowouts, and last-second shots, the NCAA Tournament can still be reached. Alabama has four or perhaps five games to prove they are worthy of an invitation. Think about this - if the Tide wins their last three regular-season games they are 20-11. That means beating LSU and Auburn at home and Arkansas on the road. That is tough sledding so to speak. I predicted that Bama would lose their last four games this season. Alabama played a great game on the road against South Carolina. I'll have my crow with a pinch of salt and pepper please, and am would happily eat even more.
How much optimism should Tide fans place into wins over Vanderbilt and South Carolina? Vanderbilt isn't a very good team. South Carolina has gotten much better after a pre-SEC season that continues to throttle their NCAAT hopes. The road win over Carolina impressed me. How so? Alabama played hard and physical basketball. They outmanned the usual Carolina batter you to death defense. Alabama won the game because of their defense and rebounding. Keep in mind that 'Bama lost Dazon Ingram played only 16 minutes. Whether you like Ingram or not you cannot disregard his rebounding and his ability to draw fouls. The Tide moved Herb Jones to the guard position and responded with a solid performance. After falling behind, Johnson rallied his team to stage a very impressive comeback. The eight-man rotation seems to give Alabama much better chemistry. I think this is particularly true with the defense.
Can 'Bama beat LSU? They can if they play with the same intensity they had in Columbia. But Bama is going to need more points. At some point, you'd think that John Petty is going to have a red-hot shooting game. The same can be said for Mack. Kira Lewis can fill it up. Don't disregard Ingram if he is 100%. Tre Waters should be back on the floor for the Bama game. Who draws the defense straw to guard Waters? I think it is going to take a team effort. Put a fresh body on him, push him, bump him, and try to cause as much chaos to his offensive game as possible. Don't think anyone can stop him though. If he has a poor shooting night it would be a gift. Keep in mind that LSU beat then #1 Tennessee without him. Bama gets the Tigers at home and that will help. The Tide matches up fairly well with the Tigers.
One thing I am curious about is the subpoena that was served on Will Wade. What effect could that have now, and in the near future? No line is available for the game at this time. I'd guess the Tigers might be a five-point favorite. Has the Tide righted its ship? I don't know. My firm belief is that the musical chairs rotation cost the Tide a lock for the NCAAT. It might not be too late. The SECT is going to be a really fun affair this year. Alabama is only one game out of fourth place. Ironically, a double-bye might not be helpful for the Tide. The tie-breakers don't seem to favor Alabama at this time.
A HUGE HELLO AND ROLL TIDE TO THE FLASH. GET WELL AND KEEP UP YOUR GREAT POSTS.
A few free throws and field goals missed can make a world of difference over the course of the season. Some lapses of defensive assignments can make or break a season. That is the story for the Crimson Tide in 2018-19. Despite the close losses, the blowouts, and last-second shots, the NCAA Tournament can still be reached. Alabama has four or perhaps five games to prove they are worthy of an invitation. Think about this - if the Tide wins their last three regular-season games they are 20-11. That means beating LSU and Auburn at home and Arkansas on the road. That is tough sledding so to speak. I predicted that Bama would lose their last four games this season. Alabama played a great game on the road against South Carolina. I'll have my crow with a pinch of salt and pepper please, and am would happily eat even more.
How much optimism should Tide fans place into wins over Vanderbilt and South Carolina? Vanderbilt isn't a very good team. South Carolina has gotten much better after a pre-SEC season that continues to throttle their NCAAT hopes. The road win over Carolina impressed me. How so? Alabama played hard and physical basketball. They outmanned the usual Carolina batter you to death defense. Alabama won the game because of their defense and rebounding. Keep in mind that 'Bama lost Dazon Ingram played only 16 minutes. Whether you like Ingram or not you cannot disregard his rebounding and his ability to draw fouls. The Tide moved Herb Jones to the guard position and responded with a solid performance. After falling behind, Johnson rallied his team to stage a very impressive comeback. The eight-man rotation seems to give Alabama much better chemistry. I think this is particularly true with the defense.
Can 'Bama beat LSU? They can if they play with the same intensity they had in Columbia. But Bama is going to need more points. At some point, you'd think that John Petty is going to have a red-hot shooting game. The same can be said for Mack. Kira Lewis can fill it up. Don't disregard Ingram if he is 100%. Tre Waters should be back on the floor for the Bama game. Who draws the defense straw to guard Waters? I think it is going to take a team effort. Put a fresh body on him, push him, bump him, and try to cause as much chaos to his offensive game as possible. Don't think anyone can stop him though. If he has a poor shooting night it would be a gift. Keep in mind that LSU beat then #1 Tennessee without him. Bama gets the Tigers at home and that will help. The Tide matches up fairly well with the Tigers.
One thing I am curious about is the subpoena that was served on Will Wade. What effect could that have now, and in the near future? No line is available for the game at this time. I'd guess the Tigers might be a five-point favorite. Has the Tide righted its ship? I don't know. My firm belief is that the musical chairs rotation cost the Tide a lock for the NCAAT. It might not be too late. The SECT is going to be a really fun affair this year. Alabama is only one game out of fourth place. Ironically, a double-bye might not be helpful for the Tide. The tie-breakers don't seem to favor Alabama at this time.
A HUGE HELLO AND ROLL TIDE TO THE FLASH. GET WELL AND KEEP UP YOUR GREAT POSTS.
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