Nate Oats said he was pleased with his team’s attitude at practice this week. Unfortunately that didn’t translate to the court as Alabama lost 110-98 in a defense optional affair.
Alabama apparently watched film of their disastrous start against Auburn and thought, “We can do worse if we try.” They were quite successful in this endeavor, as the Tigers had 12 points before the Tide got off the bus. If there was a silver lining in the Auburn loss it was that turnovers were greatly reduced. Dear reader, that did not continue in Columbia.
Alabama had ten turnovers in the first half and the defensive effort was downright disgusting. In fact, you could sum it up in one play.
When it was all said and done, Alabama allowed a whopping 59 first half points and trailed by 13. It was that close only because the Tide was scorching hot from three at 50%. More than ever, this looked like a team of individuals. One team on the floor communicated on defense. One team functioned as a unit on offense and moved the basketball. The other looked like a very talented pickup team.
Forward Mark Mitchell was the dominant force for Mizzou. He poured in 18 first half points as nobody could guard him in the paint, and he continued his dominance in the second half. Alabama battled hard after the break and even pulled within six at one point, but the hole they dug for themselves was just too big.
At this point, it’s fair to be very concerned about this team’s chances to go anywhere in March. For whatever reason, they seem to be falling apart at the seams at a time of year when they should have had time to jell. This has to be one of the worst passing teams in the nation, as everyone seems to prefer taking turns on isolation plays.
Missouri played an outstanding game and we shouldn’t take anything away from them, but Alabama legitimately looked like a mediocre basketball team for much of the night. If you want a silver lining, they never quit and managed to claw their way back to single digits late in the game.
Perhaps a two game losing streak will be enough to get them to figure out how to start fast, protect the basketball and play some defense. Their postseason hopes depend on it.
Roll Tide.
