THE SAME ISSUES PLAGUE THE TIDE AS THEY LOSE 3 STRAIGHT

By Cole Archer

The Alabama men’s basketball team continues their turnover and rebounding struggles as they fall to the Arkansas Razorbacks 76-73 Saturday in Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama is still hopeful for a spot in the NCAA tournament, but with this loss to now 20-9 (9-7 SEC) Arkansas, the team is in dire need to improve on their now 17-12 (8-8 SEC) record.

Bama was out rebounded 28 to 36 and was responsible for 18 turnovers, which was one more than already sloppy effort on the road against Auburn Wednesday.

Bama comes in ranked at an unimpressive 10th in total SEC rebounding (36 per game) as well as 12th in free throw percentage (68%), with Arkansas actually trailing in both categories ranked 12th and 14th respectively.

The Tide had a balanced offensive scoring attack with Braxton Key (16), Colin Sexton (15), John Petty (14) and Dazon Ingram (13) all chipping in on the scoring effort.

Donta Hall, who has been averaging upward of 15 points per game over the last five, was not much of a factor with only 4 points on 0-3 free throw shooting.

Arkansas’s scoring effort was just as balanced with six of their players scoring in the double digits with Daryl Macon leading the way with 17.

Arkansas came out the game forcing turnovers immediately with an early 11-4 lead. The game was tight for all 40 minutes though as Alabama was actually able to take the lead after a Braxton Key 3 with 16:52 left in the second half.

Arkansas was able to capitalize with a 9-0 run on a 7-minute scoreless streak by Bama.

Bama’s offensive struggles came at the wrong time as they played the foul and free throw game in the final seconds, where Colin Sexton and Donta Hall missed 3 in a row for the Tide.

Avery Johnson made it clear that the team is “Not there yet”, which is disappointing considering there are two regular season games left for the team, in what was one of the most anticipated seasons for Alabama men’s basketball in years.

Projected first round NBA draft pick Colin Sexton’s presumed first and only season with the Tide may end in an extremely disappointing manner if they fail to make the NCAA tournament.

Avery Johnson also is pressed to go beyond his two straight NIT appearances in his 3rd year as coach.

The next couple games may end up having a play-in factor as Bama plays the Florida Gators Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Coleman Coliseum for what seems to be a must-win.