Alabama Basketball: No overcoming 27/28 Free Throws vs. Aggies

College Station was the home of the ‘frees’ on Saturday as the Aggies took down Alabama Basketball, 67-61. Texas A&M went to the foul line for 28 free throw attempts. They were almost perfect, making 27.

Alabama was almost as good, percentage-wise at the foul line at 91%, but with 17 more attempts than the Tide, and 96% shooting, A&M was plus-17 points at the line.

Two A&M guards each went 10-for-10 at the line and to the surprise of no one, Wade Taylor IV was one of them. Going into the game, Taylor led the SEC at 86.1% from the foul line.

Other facets of the game also made it impossible for Nate Oats’ Alabama basketball team to make up for the free throw deficit. From outside the arc, Alabama was a chilling 19%, making just seven of 36, three-attempts. The Crimson Tide also turned the ball over 18 times, though A&M’s defense was responsible for several of the turnovers.

Three Alabama players scored in double figures. Brandon Miller led the team in scoring with 19 points, before fouling out with 1:59 left in the game. Jahvon Quinerly scored 12 points and Noah Clowney had 11 points. Alabama had a nine-rebound advantage and was aided by 15 offensive rebounds.

Note: Stats provided by SEC Sports and Stat Broadcast

It is only fair to add that Aggies coach Buzz Williams had a solid defensive plan for the Crimson Tide. For much of the game, 3/4 court pressure kept Alabama out of its accustomed rhythm. The Aggies may not be a great team. But having won 17 of their last 20 games, they are a very good one. Beating a very good SEC team on the road is always a tough task.

Alabama Basketball Coach Nate Oats

Speaking after the game, Nate Oats said,

"Showed a lot of fight. Can’t keep digging ourselves big holes in the 1st half and expecting to bail ourselves out. That will come back to bite you like it did today. A&M is a really good team.Our turnovers late in the game killed us. We gotta get better starts. We’ve got to do something to start these games better and have better first halves."

After the game, Texas A&M players were lobbying for Buzz Williams to be chosen as SEC Coach of the Year. No doubt, every A&M fan agrees.

Alabama Basketball can now take a couple of days to recoup mentally and physically. After four straight tough games, the Crimson Tide needs a break.