Alabama Basketball: Non-Conference Games Help/Hurt Tourney Chances
By Mike Parham
(9-4) Louisiana Tech (RPI 126)
The Alabama basketball team avoided an embarrassing home loss against Louisiana Tech by relying on Collin Sexton and Dazon Ingram and actually making free-throws down the stretch.
Alabama was down by double-digits at two different points throughout the game but managed to go on a late run in the second-half to get the victory. Sexton and Ingram both scored 22 much-needed points in the effort.
What does this game mean? Alabama basketball showed that they can bounce back from a loss. This was one of those games that hurts more if you lose but helps less if you win. A loss at home to Louisiana Tech would have been bad.
(9-3) UCF (RPI 63)
When the Tide first lost to UCF in Tuscaloosa it was considered a horrible loss. It’s still a bad loss, but the Tide better be happy that UCF keeps on winning. UCF is another team that has not lost since they played the Tide.
Alabama played a great first half and ended it with a six-point lead. However, they were outplayed and out rebounded in the second half which allowed UCF to come back.
Collin Sexton had his worst game of the season against UCF and the Tide weren’t able to capitalize on 20 forced turnovers.
What does this game mean? A home loss to an unranked UCF team is not good. The only way this helps Alabama is if UCF turns it around and becomes a team to watch out for in March. If not, this could really hurt when comparing resumes against teams with less embarrassing home losses.
(7-3) Rhode Island (RPI 17)
From an RPI standpoint, this was Alabama’s best win of the season to date. The Rams have victories against Providence and Seton Hall on their resume so far.
After Sexton went down with an eye injury, it was a balanced attack helped maintain the lead. When Sexton returned, he hit a three-pointer and two clutch free-throws that helped secure the victory.
The Rams are expected to be a tournament team so a convincing victory against them really helps Alabama.
What does this game mean? Rhode Island is projected to win the Atlantic 10 so it helps bolster the Tide’s resume. Alabama showed that they are still, at times, capable of operating without Sexton but were hesitant. This is another victory for the Tide against a team with a likely automatic bid.
(10-3) Arizona (RPI 21)
This was the battle of two projected lottery picks, DeAndre Ayton and Collin Sexton, that didn’t disappoint. However, again, the Tide missed out on an opportunity to get a signature win on the season.
Collin Sexton played an amazing game, but Ayton was just too much for Alabama in all aspects of the game.
This game was sort of a measuring stick for Alabama against a team that was once ranked in the top three. According to the stick, Alabama measures up against premier teams well, when they come to play.
What does this game mean? Arizona is a definite tournament team and Alabama gave them all they could handle. It just wasn’t enough. The Tide clearly have what it takes to compete with the best on a nightly basis. This loss won’t derail the Tide’s tourney hopes and should serve as motivation.