E111 BH Alabama wins over MS State on the road 97 82 Quick Reaction in Hoops

Stars of the Game LaBaron Philon with a career high 32 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assists, and only 1 TO Other notables: Amari Allen with 13 pts, 13 rebs, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks Aiden Sherrell with 22 pts, 5 rebs, 1 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks Aden Holloway with 15 pts, 3 rebs, 2 assists, and one steal Bama rebounded as a five man team on the defensive end for most of the game once the Bama surge happened in the first half as six players had at least 5 rebs MIA’s Keitenn Bristow – did not play – no idea why Injuries TBB out with injury Davion Hannah out with injury Key Performances Josh Hubbard played well for State with 23 pts, but only one other state player scored double digits in points Good defensive effort and good rebounding effort by the Tide The Stats Key Team Stats Bama outrebounded State 47-43 Bama limited its TO’s to 5 for the game – that is winning basketball Bama shot 44% from the field, 35% from 3, and made 27 FT’s shooting 82% from the charity stripe. Good shooting night for the Tide When you look at the team stats, it was a good night overall for Bama and Bama either won the stat or was even at worst with State. This win is big to stop the bleeding and stop the 2 game losing streak. Keeps Bama on track to make the tournament. And gives Bama a good chance to get a top four seed in the tournament if Bama can keep winning. Highlights Game night for Philon with a career high 32 pts Bama rebounded the basketball really well and didn’t turn the ball over with only 5 Tos Stopped great from the first half surge starting with 7 mins to go in the first half to take the lead by 2 at half to the last whistle as Bama extended its lead after half to win by 15 points. This Bama team can be a sweet 16, elite 8, and final four team. This performance shows what Bama can be game in and game out Bama defense was really good against state. That is the kind of effort we need on a regular basis. Best four are Philon, Holloway, Sherrell, and Amari Allen Who is that fifth player? Who will bring effort and consistency of performance game in and game out Jemison brings a high level of energy and produces with defense and rebounding every night. His scoring production is spotty. Issues Issue – Why did Bama start so poorly? Bama has little depth in the front court Need TBB healthy and to play well game in and game out Need Bristow to step up and contribute. Don’t know what he will do and how he will play game in and game out. Williamson and Bethea played and contributed in this game, but need more from them if Bama wants to be a great team. I know who our best four players are, but who is the fifth starter? Alabama is now 12-5 on the season and 2-2 in the SEC. Bama needs to figure some things out and get back to winning or their seeding in the NCAA will keep sliding. And let’s hope it doesn’t get so bad that they risk not making the tournament. Bama is not playing like a final four or even sweet 16 team if you judge them by the way Bama played against Texas. Up next: Alabama goes on the road again to Oklahoma on Saturday, Jan 17 at 12 noon. Let’s count on Bama playing like they did against State in Norman and getting a win there rather than playing like they did against Texas. Bama must play with this kind of effort and focus game in and game out if they want to be a sweet 16 team again this year. I am cautiously optimist that Bama is this team that beat state, not the team that lost to Texas.