WEST ALABAMA TODAY AT 4PM

EVERY GAME IS IMPORTANT...

    

   For the University of Alabama each game that is on the schedule is important. For a team that is in need of all the wins they can muster up for the post-season resume there are no games to look past.  Today is going to be interesting. The Tide is coming off a last second 70-67 against a very good South Dakota State University team. Lacey nailed a three at the buzzer to give 'Bama a solid win that will look better as the season progresses. After recording the last game, and then watching it a couple of times, I don't think Alabama played as poorly as first thought. That is not to say we looked like world beaters. But we did a few things pretty good.

• The Tide won that game with a flurry of steals and pressure in the last four minutes of the first half. Starting with a Rodney Cooper steal which resulted in a basket the Tide rattled the Jack Rabbits. It took them to the last five minutes of the game to find ways to beat the Tide full court press.
• In an attempt to make up for no post play it looked like Bama isolated the high post and committed themselves penetration. It worked well. Releford and Lacey found a lot of easy looks, and some not so easy that resulted in baskets.
• 14-14 from the line will get it done in every time. The more this team can shoot free throws the better. It might offset the lack of dominate inside play.
• Rodney Cooper missed some shots but he made some key baskets as well. Look for Cooper to pick up the pace
• Releford brought some energy when he entered the game. I have no idea why he didn't start, no one will comment but let's hope whatever is going on with him is over.
• I don't understanding  starting Gueye instead of Jacobs. Neither played well. Engstrom played hard and about as good he can play.

This is a game that the Tide should coast to win. The didn't look good against Stillman and at times looked confused against SDSU. At other times they looked in control. The Jack Rabbits had great guard and a good inside player. Al McGuire was fond of saying "you can win with that". This game is a chance to let the inside players get better. New York won't be nearly as easy as today.