Shackleford leads 'Bama to a close win... 

     Jaden Shackleford scored 27 points and rescued a floundering Tide in an 82-78 win. Alabama is now 13-1 in the SEC as they narrow the number of games needed to outright clinch the SEC regular-season crown. Alabama was ice-cold from behind the three-point line, making only 10 of 39 shots.  It was the two-point baskets that gave Bama the win. In the final four minutes, Shackleford's timely play around the basketball saved the game for Alabama. Alabama shot on 36% from the floor. The Tide made 20-28 free throws, which were a key to the outcome. Alabama had one more rebound than Vandy at 34/33.  

     The best thing you might say is Alabama won the game playing as poorly as a team could play. You might also remember that Alabama gave up 49 points in the second half. That's not good. Part of that was caused by poor shooting by the Tide overall. It says a lot that the Crimson actually won this game. At the end of the season, a win is still a win. Alabama moves to 18-5, which should keep the Tide in the top-ten. The Tide remains 8th in Kenpom.com, and the defense still is ranked 2nd in the nation.

     The game saw Jordan Bruner on the floor for the first time since the first Kentucky game.  It was a mixed performance for the grad-transfer. He was not at full speed but had six boards, one assist, one steal, and one blocked shot in 19 minutes. I'm betting that was much longer than Oats wanted.  I thought Alabama had their best game with Alex Reese on the floor. He finished 10 points and 3 rebounds in 17 minutes of play. He also had a needed three-pointer to keep Bama ahead. Alabama is going to need Bruner in down the stretch.  Oats may have taken the chance to play Bruner more than Reese.  It seemed to me that Alabama had become used to the rotation with Reese. Bruner needs some floor game to find his game again. I'm not sure Arkansas is the game to find it. 

    Alabama can't continue to win games, missing 29 three-point baskets. It takes some resilience to win a game when your offense is struggling.  Petty, Shackleford, and Primo had off nights. Quinerely had 13 points and was 3/5 from downtown.  Alabama is going to need a much better game to have a chance against Arkansas. The Hogs have become a much better team. It wouldn't surprise me if the Razorbacks were a favorite against Alabama next week in Arkansas. It will be an important game for both teams. Arkansas is 17-5.