Saturday night in Birmingham, against college basketball's No. 1 team, the Alabama Crimson Tide proved one thing. That 'thing' was that defense requires much more than blocking shots. Against the Wildcats, Alabama was outstanding at blocking shots. Alabama blocked 15 shots, and the Wildcats still scored 96 points.
There are several reasons why. The most glaring one is that Arizona dominated the offensive glass with 22 ORBs to 3 for the Crimson Tide. As a result of a 52-32 rebound advantage, along with 11 fewer turnovers for Arizona, the Wildcats took 28 more shots than Alabama. The Wildcats played some outstanding team defense, and they did it while blocking just one shot.
Much will be made about a less than three-minute span early in the second half. The Crimson Tide struggled after the break, but was hanging in, down by seven at the 14:01 mark. At 11:22, Alabama trailed by 18, and the game was over. One reason for the Arizona run was Alabama's turnovers. Another reason was Arizona freshman Brayde Burries draining threes. Nate Oats tried to sign Burries, and Saturday night the Birmingham crowd saw why.
Labaron Philon had another strong game for Alabama, despite making five turnovers. Philon scored 24 points, pulled down 10 rebounds, and handed out five assists. Latrell Wrightsell also had a strong game. scoring 21 points in 25 minutes of play, while adding three rebounds, two assists, and zero turnovers.
Alabama Crimson Tide did better than Auburn
Alabama basketball fans can take one small consolation. Auburn lost to Arizona by a bigger margin. In both games, Arizona scored 97 points.
Nate Oats' post-game remarks were succinct: "The toughness factor was a problem." Oats added, "When we play these tough, physical teams, we haven't answered the bell."
The Arizona Wildcats played like an elite team. The Alabama Crimson Tide was not close to an elite level in the game's second half. At least the Crimson Tide was schooled in December, when there is time to correct some weaknesses.