ALABAMA SLICED AND DICED THE GATORS...

     On Tuesday night, the Crimson Tide knocked off the Florida Gators by a lot, not a little. The final score was 86-71. Alabama dominated the game in every category. Around the ten minute mark of half two, the Tide knew they could do with the Gators what they wished.

    Alabama used the dribble drive to perfection. No Florida player could stop the Tide penetration. Herb Jones, gifted but not nifty, took it to the hoop like shooting uncontested lay-ups. Alabama made it look simple. With Florida defenders stuck on the arc, Bama used their quickness in the lane. When the Gators collapsed, Jones and company hit the threes. Keon Ellis nailed three from behind the line. Ellis also led the Tide with three rebounds. He and Herb Jones led the Crimson in scoring with 16 each, although three additional Tide players were in double digits. Balanced scoring kept the Gators on their heels all night. Bruner had seven boards and four assists. 

    Alabama now leads the SEC with a 3-0 record. Joe Lunardi has Bama as one of the last four in the NCAA bracket. KenPom has ranked Alabama as 23rd in the nation, ironically, one spot behind 22nd ranked Florida. Go figure that one. In the NCAA net rankings, the Tide moved from 33rd to 27th. 

    It was the second "upset" win for Nat Oat's team. Last weekend the Tide spanked 7th ranked Tennessee on the road. Quinerly, who had 24 in that game, was unavailable for the Florida game. It is believed he will not play this weekend against Auburn. While his medical problem has not been listed, it has all the indications of a Covid contact tracing status. Auburn took one on the chin last night when they lost 72-61 to Ole Miss in Oxford. Auburn was without their starting point guard, Justin Powell.

    The Tide will play Auburn on the road with an 11:00 Am tip-off. (as scheduled now) The Tigers are now 6-4 for the year. Alabama has seemingly hit their stride. I like the Tide to beat Aubie in Auburn. Roll  Tide.