WHAT TO SAY ABOUT THE ARKANSAS GAME?       

       Alabama played a horrible game Wednesday night. The Tide got off to a bad start but fought back to take the lead early in the second half. And then... I'm not sure exactly how to say this. How about the worst officiating in the history of bad officiating its ownself occurred? Yeah, that sounds about right, doesn't it? Arkansas shot 43 free throws, and Alabama shot 8. Seriously, if you didn't see the game last night, you wouldn't believe that is even possible. The difference in those numbers is a disparity that no team can overcome, and Alabama didn't. It seemed the officials had made a decision to make sure Alabama couldn't win. Heck, Alabama probably wouldn't have won anyway, but it is important to players to think they have fair officiating. I played in a game in high school where one official was obviously cheating. He worked at the local post office, and his wife taught at the school. Every time we'd get close, the fouls rained down. 

        John Petty was so fed-up he said something to Doug Shows, who quickly tossed him. Shows are the supreme egotist, and he had to take it to the next level by throwing out Petty.  I'm not sure exactly what John said, but it's safe to assume e wasn't bragging about Show's ability to officiate.  We've all watched this official believe he's the star of the game instead of the players.  He hasn't reached the Teddy Valentine level, but he can see the exit sign now. 

    Alabama played a stinker. Had the officiating been level, they might not have won.  Alabama couldn't.  I hope Alabama tells the SEC they don't want  Doug  Shows or Pat Adams to walk on the floor when Alabama is present. Both have revealed some serious shortcomings with their behavior when officiating a game played by young adults. The officials are supposed to be the grownups in the room. 

     I had an Arkansas fan tell me that way the game was called diminished the win over Alabama. Even this fan wondered if the game was called fairly. We could say it is what it is.  Kind of forgive and forget, but that tacitly approves the behavior and guarantees it will continue to happen. Fundamental fairness is necessary to become an official. The SEC should sit Shows down for the remainder of the season. He can ply his trade in another league. None of this means Alabama would have won the game. Kudos to Arkansas for their win. 

     Alabama has a "man in the mirror" moment right now. Fix the mess, or get ready for more disappointments.  The slapdash ball-handling has got to end. The questionable shot selection has been obvious. The drive/dish has gone missing. Running up and done like a scalded dog was fun to watch. Enduring offensive players standing around should be taken off the menu.  We need to take better shots. Bama's shot-selection is killing us. 

     There were a few good things. Jordan Bruner knocked down four three-point baskets was good. See an injured Juwan Gary come on the floor and watching him play impressed me. He is going to be key to Bama's success. Oats is a good coach. He'll figure it out. Basketball is a sport of highs and lows. Alabama seems stuck in a low right now. They'll find the high again. Alabama can learn from the loss. They can use it to re-focus. 

     Bama plays Georgia on the make-up date. I have no idea why. Arkansas gets TAMU.