Alabama Basketball has finished its out-of-conference (OOC) regular season play at 11-2. It is the best OOC record a Nate Oats Crimson Tide team has posted. On Sunday, the Alabama Crimson Tide dismantled a good mid-major team; the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, 105-82.
For much of Sunday's game, the Crimson Tide offense flowed into the level of shooting success Nate Oats demands. After the game Oats said, "We know when we're playing at our best we can play with anybody in the country." No sound basketball mind can debate the statement. Still, Oats was not completely pleased with Sunday's win. He pointed to a lack of focus in second-half defense that allowed the Jackrabbits to score 49 points. The problem is not a new one. Many tough games lie ahead and to win many of them the Crimson Tide will have to play two halves of solid defense.
On Sunday, Alabama basketball fans were happier than Oats. Understandably, there was much to enjoy. So much so that picking the game's 'best' player is next to impossible. Five Alabama players had outstanding games against South Dakota State.
The best of the Alabama Basketball five best?
Many fans would likely choose Aden Holloway. The Auburn transfer scored 26 points in 21 minutes of play; added an assist and two steals and only one turnover. Holloway was 8-for-19 outside the arc for 42.1%. After the game, Holloway said of Oats, "It's kind of crazy, because he gets mad when I don't shoot." Oats said Holloway passed on a couple of three attempts he should have taken.
Mark Sears was more accurate from long range than Holloway. Sears scored 20 points, making 6-of-14 threes for 42.8%. Sears also made five assists and only two turnovers in 21 minutes of play.
Grant Nelson scored 16 points on just eight field goal attempts. One point at the line gave Nelson 17 points in 25 minutes of play. Nelson also had eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal.
Mo Dioubate must also be considered as Sunday's best player. Mo D played 18 minutes and scored six points. He also had 11 rebounds, including seven offensive rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Talking about his key backup, Oats said, "We need some guys to bring the energy (Mo) brings.
If only one player must be chosen, I'll go with freshman Labaron Philon. Philon scored 21 points in 27 minutes of play. He added five rebounds, six assists and two steals. Philon had zero turnovers.
Note: Player stats provided by statbroadcast.com
SEC play begins for Alabama Basketball on Jan. 4, hosting Oklahoma in Tuscaloosa.