Cold shooting kills the Tide...

       Alabama was 4 for 21 from downtown and that gave Kentucky the edge. I'm not sure that Kentucky is Final Four material but they are very good. And despite Alabama's overall record, I think this Tide team is going to be very good as well. Kentucky was lucky to have beaten Alabama and John Calipari knew it. The Tide lost 76-67 for three reasons. First, Alabama's poor shooting, poor shot collection, and lackluster defense in the first half.

        Kentucky won by understanding how we play defense and made a calculated guess that the Tide couldn't beat the Tide when Alabama tried to attack the Cats inside. The Cats had its best shooting night of the year. Despite all those factors, the Tide was down on by 3 with two minutes left. I think Nat Oats got a lesson in SEC politics as well. The SEC protects Kentucky at home. They only way you are going to beat Kentucky on their home court is to make a ton of three-pointers. The Tide couldn't do that on Saturday.

        Alabama's Herb Jones took a  ton of questionable shots. That hurt. Jones is a marvelous defender, but his offense is always questionable. It might help Alabama if Oats reigned in Jones shot selection. Jones's poor shooting night didn't kill the Tide but it sure made things tough. One thing not questionable about Herb is his effort and leadership. He may be trying to do so too much. Thnk about this - had Bama made their normal amount of three-pointers the Tide would have embarrassed Kentucky on their home floor. I'm disappointed the Tide lost, but I saw a lot of good from Alabama. Look for Bama to shoot better against Auburn at home. Can 'Bama beat AU. They sure can.