tide fights through late game adversity...
Let's give a round of applause to both Avery Johnson and the Alabama Crimson Tide for getting off the canvas to win the fight. After three games of falling apart, Alabama said it wouldn't happen again. And it didn't. Instead, the Tide came back with a strong finish after seeing their lead diminish and win 68-62. The Tide is now 17-11 overall and 8-7 in the SEC.
What was different? How did a team that had played so poorly in the past few games reverse that trend? The Tide had balanced scoring. Lewis had 17, Hall had 15, Mack chipped in 11, and the every steady Riley Norris had 11 points. Balanced scoring causes the defense to pay attention to everyone, and not double-team any single offensive player. Kira Lewis made several three-point baskets. Hall scored inside. Mack scored inside and out, as did Riley Norris. Norris played a steady and brought some leadership to the floor when the Tide fell behind late in the game.
John Petty didn't shoot well, but he pulled down 10 boards and cinched it up on defense. Alabama has a couple of lazy passes that led to turnovers but for the main part, they held onto the ball. Nine Bama players played. Galin Smith got some limited moments rest Hall, but the Tide continued to find better chemistry with fewer players. Alabama controlled the glass and that included nine offensive boards.
Last night kept Tournament hopes alive. It was a much-needed win. Now it the Tide gets ready for LSU and Auburn. There is no way to describe the value of those games. So how did the Tide beat USC? The word is defense. Alabama played in your face defense. And they made their free trows.
Let's give a round of applause to both Avery Johnson and the Alabama Crimson Tide for getting off the canvas to win the fight. After three games of falling apart, Alabama said it wouldn't happen again. And it didn't. Instead, the Tide came back with a strong finish after seeing their lead diminish and win 68-62. The Tide is now 17-11 overall and 8-7 in the SEC.
What was different? How did a team that had played so poorly in the past few games reverse that trend? The Tide had balanced scoring. Lewis had 17, Hall had 15, Mack chipped in 11, and the every steady Riley Norris had 11 points. Balanced scoring causes the defense to pay attention to everyone, and not double-team any single offensive player. Kira Lewis made several three-point baskets. Hall scored inside. Mack scored inside and out, as did Riley Norris. Norris played a steady and brought some leadership to the floor when the Tide fell behind late in the game.
John Petty didn't shoot well, but he pulled down 10 boards and cinched it up on defense. Alabama has a couple of lazy passes that led to turnovers but for the main part, they held onto the ball. Nine Bama players played. Galin Smith got some limited moments rest Hall, but the Tide continued to find better chemistry with fewer players. Alabama controlled the glass and that included nine offensive boards.
Last night kept Tournament hopes alive. It was a much-needed win. Now it the Tide gets ready for LSU and Auburn. There is no way to describe the value of those games. So how did the Tide beat USC? The word is defense. Alabama played in your face defense. And they made their free trows.
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