Alabama's second-half performance against Gonzaga was, for lack of a better word, frustrating. The Tide was out-hustled, out-rebounded, and Labaron Philon went cold in the last 10 minutes of the game. All things not a good recipe for success against an always talented Bulldogs team. After doing a much better job on the glass against Illinois last week, it was disappointing to see Gonzaga outrebound us by 12. They seemed to get a lot of big second-chance baskets in the second half, and there were a lot of one-and-done possessions for Nate Oats' squad.
Not being able to finish at the rim and again looking soft against another big lineup did Alabama in. That was the Achilles heel last year against teams with length like Florida or Duke, and we've seen that this season against Purdue and tonight against the Zags. There should not be a game when Aiden Sherrell is not in double-digit numbers on the boards. He has the size and hopefully we will see him being more consistent on the glass as the season goes. I did like his ability at times to score as there is a lot of potential that shows. I am wondering when we will get something from Noah Williamson. This was another game where he played minimal minutes and did nothing positive on the court.
On a positive note, before the second-half slump, Philon was having another great game, showing just how special he is. It was disappointing that Latrell Wrightsell is hurt again, but good that it will not be a long-term issue. He brings an energy on both sides of the court that we need, and clearly he was missed Monday night. I think the entire fan base held their breath when Aden Holloway went down with the arm injury. Though he did not have a great shooting night, it was great to see him come back and play. It will be imperative that this team bounces back against UNLV late Tuesday night and plays well against right now a mystery opponent on Wednesday. Coach Oats will have a lot to get on the guys about which long term should help in March.