Tide clicks on all cylinders to beat the Friars...

   

Alabama put together a complete game to beat Providence 88-71. The Tide shot 53% in the second half to open up a commanding 23 point lead. The Friars put together a run to cut the lead to 11, but triple threes put the game away for Alabama, but it was rebounding that made the difference. The Tide outboarded the Friars 48-28, and that was the difference. 18 of those boards were offensive—the Tide had13 turnovers. The Friar run in the second half was the result of several turnovers. Alabama settled down and put the game away with the beforementioned three-pointers. It was Alabama's third win of the young season. 

OBSERVATIONS:

1. Alex Reese had a good game. He was 2-4 from downtown. His key contribution was leaning on the Friars big man inside. 

2. John Primo statistically had the best game of any Tide player. He was three of six from behind the arc, pulled down three boards, and had a steal. It is becoming clear that Primo is going to be one heck of a player.

3.John Petty was, well, John Petty. His 16 points led the Tide. He also had 5 rebounds and was 5-6 from the free-throw line. Petty made only 1 of 6 three-pointers, but he is the team leader.

4. Alabama won the battle of boards by 48-28. Alabama got 18 extra attempts due to the offensive rebounds. That was the key stat to me. If Alabama wins off the glass, they win a lot of games.

5. Bruner played well, but he's not a true interior player. He made a three and pulled down a few boards. He fits the Oat's scheme because he is an outside threat. He is a great passer, as well. When the other team has to commit their inside player to the perimeter, you get more offensive boards.

6. Alabama made 78% of their free throws. That is a huge percentage and will pay off in close games. 

7. I think Quinerly needs to distribute the ball more, and I suspect he will. He is a good outside shooter and can penetrate for lay-ups.  He's an outstanding player and

has given Alabama a more than adequate replacement for Kira Lewis. He hasn't played much in the last year, so he'll elevate his have even more.

     Alabama now takes off ten days for final exams and preparation for Clemson.  That game will be played, pandemic allowing, in the Holiday Hoopsgiving played in Atlanta Georgia.