Alabama had a bit of a tune-up game against Texas-San Antonio today and had no trouble taking care of business, 97-55.
This game was never going to be close unless Alabama played their absolute worst, but that doesn’t mean it was pretty from the start. The Tide came out firing from three point range per usual but seemingly couldn’t throw it in the ocean, starting out a frigid 1-0f-9 behind the three point arc. As a result, Alabama held only a 5-0 lead four minutes into the game.
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Jalil Bethea broke the ice with his first three pointer of the season, and the rout was on from there. Alabama did what they were supposed to do, dominating the game in all phases. By the end of the half, Alabama led by a ridiculous 56-17 margin, and the stat sheet reflected that dominance. The Tide forced ten turnovers, and didn’t turn the ball over even once. They made 11 of 31 three point tries for 35%, and allowed only 2 of 13. They won the rebounding battle 29-18, and even made all nine free throw tries.
It just doesn’t get much better than that.
Bethea was the leading scorer of the half with 14, with Labaron Philon and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. adding 10 apiece. Aiden Sherrell led on the boards with six and added one blocked shot, and three Alabama players had five boards each: Philon, Davion Hannah, and Amari Allen. Philon and Houston Mallette had two steals apiece to combine for half of Alabama’s thefts in the opening stanza.
Alabama took the foot off the gas a bit in the second half, which Nate Oats probably won’t be thrilled about. And, they went ice cold from three again for a long stretch. This did happen, though.
That man is an athlete.
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Bethea ended up leading all scorers with 21, Philon and London Jemison adding 20 apiece. Sherrell and Allen both hit double digits on the boards.
Next up is unbeaten and 2nd-ranked Arizona, in Birmingham.
Roll Tide.
