'Bama limps past Robert Morris

Alabama struggles against 5-10 Robert Morris...

Grant gives Releford advice

     Alabama needed a win in the worst way. They got it with with one of their worst performances of the season. And, the got it over the worst team the Tide has played this season. I guess beggars can't be choosers as the saying goes. As the SEC season dawns next week the Tide just needed a win. We all know that Robert Morris beat Kentucky last year. That was then. The now portion of that phrase would tell you that this year's edition isn't as good as last year's team. The Generals have now played 15 games and have won only five.  

Bama's SOS improves ...

     It was against that backdrop that Alabama hosted Robert Morris in a final 'tuneup' for the SEC schedule. It wasn't exactly a stellar performance. The score was 64-56 with the Tide on top. Getting there wasn't easy and it certainly wasn't impressive. Despite all this Grant and Trevor Releford insist that Alabama has improved as the season has progressed because of the tough schedule. I think it would it's a fair statement to say that 'Bama didn't win any of those tougher games. Just for the record, Alabama's SOS is ranked by the NCAA as 6th hardest. That speaks well of Alabama's decision to toughen the slate. Now, I guess we see if all those close losses means anything. It certainly didn't seem that way on Saturday night.

Releford continues his red-hot season...

    Once  again, the gutty point guard, Trevor Releford led all Tide scorers. His 18 points continued his great play in his senior year. One good thing occurred - Retin Obasahan, who had been struggling of late, chipped in 12 points. Even Carl Engstrom had a big night. The Swede had 8 including a slam dunk put back. Rodney Cooper made some mild progress with his game by scoring 9, pulling down 4 rebounds, and making 2 steals. Levi Randolph had only 6 points and making 5 turnovers. You can say what you want in press conference about team improvement but scoring only 10 points in the first 17 minutes in of the game. Keep in mind that Robert Morris had 9 losses coming into the game.

Grant continues to juggle the lineup...

 Grant seems to contradict his belief in an improved team by an obvious effort to find his best combo. Whatever he had in mind against Robert Morris didn't work. What Grant is trying to find is a way to score a few more points, and keep a strong defensive team on the Court. That may be an oxymoron for this particular team. Bama opens it's SEC slate on tuesday the 7th with a home  game with Vandy. Tip-Off is at 8:00 Central Standard time. Vandy's record is now 8-4. Bama stands 6-7 and needs a couple of good wins to change the mood surrounding the program. The Vanderbilt team isn't a great one.  'Bama has a chance to win this one at home. Bama should have a decided edge in the backcourt, the Commodore inside game hasn't been overpowering to this date. This could be a time for the Tide to regain its focus and move forward. This is one SEC game the Tide can win.

Coming up next week:   Vandy recap, Grant's future, and where does Releford rank in Bama's great point guards