Bama's comeback falls just short...

Alabama loses 69-65 to Mizzou.

   

comp: Missouri Athletic Dept

   Alabama's comeback was there for the taking. Herb Jones missed a layup and then another. We all know that Herb got fouled on the second, but you don't get calls on the road when a game is on the line. Let's be clear, Herb did not lose the game for Bama.  This game was lost by dozens of mistakes from the opening tip-off. It doesn't matter when you make a mistake; in the end, they are all the same. Yesterday, Missouri made a statement about being the best team in the SEC. They took it to the Tide. Still, Alabama made a gallant effort to even have a chance to win the game.

        It speaks volumes about the character of the team and the coaching staff.  The Tide was down by 22. You don't win many games when you are down by 22 points.  You know what killed the Tide?  They were sloppy, and they were not ready to play. Alabama got a wake-up call from Counzo Martin and the Missouri Tigers.  If the Tide wants to win the SEC, they better be ready to play every game on the schedule.

         Nate Oats was concerned about all the publicity his team was getting.  He needs to pump up the volume. He needs Bruner back in the lineup. He needs Herb back at 100%,  Petty and Primo have all but disappeared from the scoring column.  A pat on the back to Keon Ellis. He played hard and was a joy to watch. Perhaps his teammates need to take notice.  The kid wants to be a player. 

     So, the Tide falls to 10-1 in the SEC and now gets ready to play South Carolina on the road. Frank Martin and the Gamecocks don't play soft. They play a mean and aggressive brand of basketball. So did Missouri. If Alabama isn't ready to play, they will lose. I was worried about the Missouri game and am worried about South Carolina. Physically tough teams give Alabama trouble. Let's hope the Tide learned something on Saturday. A loss may better serve Alabama than a come from behind win. Now that all the glitz of being a  projected # 1 seed is over, perhaps Alabama can return to being a better basketball team.  This loss won't kill the Tide. Nate Oates is aware of what his players need to do. 

      Mississippi State beat South Carolina 75-59.  D.J. Stewart wrung the neck of the Gamecocks with 29 big points.  Alabama needs similar efforts from Petty and Shackleford on Tuesday night.  The tide guards need to make some threes. Oats needs to find a way to help the Tide get back into their offense.

      It didn't break my basketball heart to see Ole Miss beat Auburn in a double OT game 86-84. Romello White had 30 pts. He's a big man who could give Alabama a headache. Devontae Shuler, the point guard, hit the winner with .02 seconds left on the clock in the 2nd OT. Shuler had 26. Auburn has dropped to 10-10 for the season and 4-7 in the SEC. Shariff Cooper, who has won every television commentator's praises, has not made Auburn a winning team. 

     Alabama can learn a lot about game preparation in the loss to Mizzou. All the remaining games the Tide plays are winnable, but not with the bombastic attitude the Tide took in that game.

TIDES NUMBERS ARE STILL FINE - 

NET - 9th

RPI - 6th

SOS - 10th

KenPom - 7th

AN INTERESTING FACT:  Of the top 100 teams in the NCAA, guess which team has played teams with the most wins?   ALABAMA opponents have won 197 games.

PREDICTION - I Believe Alabama will finish the regular season at 21-6 or hopefully 22-5. This doesn't count the SEC Tournament. If 'Bama finishes 22-5, the Tide can be a 1-seed. 21-6 will be a 2-seed.  If the Tide wins the SEC Tournament, we should be a 1-seed. 

Tip of the hat - Quinerly played well.