Alabama Basketball: Crimson Tide wins and maybe loses at Rupp

Alabama Basketball: Crimson Tide won big and the first time in Lexington since 2006. Two players left the game due to potentially serious injuries.

An Alabama basketball win in Lexington is uncommon. The Crimson Tide last beat Kentucky at Rupp Arena in 2006. Tuesday night the Crimson Tide not only won, it won an impressive, 20-point victory.

The Wildcats shot 34 percent for the game, including just 22 percent on their 18 three-point attempts. The Crimson Tide defense had much to do with the Cats’ cold shooting. Kentucky outrebounded the Crimson Tide, 44-36, but lost the turnover battle with 19, to only 11 for the Crimson Tide. The biggest plus for the Wildcats was from the foul line. Tide players were called for numerous touch fouls, leading to 24 free throw attempts for the Wildcats. They made 79 percent of them and finished plus-10 over the Tide from the line. Alabama shot 69 percent from the line on 13 attempts.

What triggered the sixth win in the Tide’s current streak was the long ball. Kentucky shot 18 threes while the Crimson Tide shot 30. Outside the arc, the Cats hit 22 percent. Alabama basketball scorched the nets with the long ball at 47 percent.

But all was not good in Lexington. Jahvon Quinerly missed his third game for ‘medical’ reasons. Herbert Jones played eight minutes due to a first-half, hand or finger injury. Jordan Bruner came up lame in the second half to what appeared to be a knee injury.

After the game, Nate Oats commented on the injuries.

"Herbert Jones, trainer says that both he and Bruner will be evaluated in the morning. Jones hand/finger. Bruner, knee, get him up to Birmingham and have the guys look at the injuries in the morning. Hopefully will have an update tomorrow."

Herbert Jones’ injury appeared similar to what he went through last season. Bruner could put no weight on his leg. Hopefully, he twisted or sprained the knee, rather than something worse.

Alabama basketball fans are glad Nate Oats also had some positive news.

"We’re hoping to get (Jahvon) Quinerly back by this weekend. We’re gonna see."

Short a lead guard in Quinerly and point-forward, Herbert Jones for most of the game, others had to step up. Oats was quick to praise John Petty Jr., Jaden Shackelford and Josh Primo.

"Shack was great, kind of had to run the point. He and Petty shared PG duties tonight, both showed they’re more than capable, more than just shooters.Shack’s defense on Askew was really really good too. Stayed in front and didn’t get beat. Happy for him, proud of him, proud of all our guys to be honest with you."

John Petty Jr. led the Crimson Tide in scoring with 23 points, plus five rebounds and two assists. Shackelford added 18 points and six assists. Crimson Tide rebounders were led by Keon Ellis and James Rojas with six each. Juwan Gary got five boards in 13 minutes of play.

Two more tough games await Alabama Basketball, with Arkansas coming to Tuscaloosa on Saturday, followed by a trip to Baton Rouge next Tuesday.

Arkansas is the best team Alabama basketball has faced since the Tennessee game. At 10-2, Ken Pomeroy has the Razorbacks at No. 26. He has LSU at No. 24 and the Crimson Tide at No. 20.