Bama stops a bad streak...
Cooper and Taylor have big game...
Alabama put the stop to a 16 road loss skid with a win over Tennessee this past weekend. SEC road losses stood at 12 straight. When you keep a team for scoring for over 12 minutes you are doing something right. If you watched the game, it was clear that Alabama had the Vols number. Tennessee couldn't have scored at a hooker's convention on Saturday. The Tide kept the Volunteers from scoring on 15 consecutive trips down the floor. Alabama wasn't liquid rocket fuel on offense, but the Tide overcame the home-court advantage by patience and taking good shots. The Tide also kept the turnovers down to 12. They rebounded well, and got big games from Taylor and Cooper. I bet Tennessee has had they care to hear from Alabama and anyone named Cooper.
Cooper hit a bunch of key baskets though out both halves, and really hit the boards hard. Cooper had 17 points. Taylor dominated the paint. He showed us some nice moves around the basket. He hit 2 free throws in succession. The Tennessee Vols took at 36-35 lead in the second half and then were shut out for the next 12:02. The home team got a Bronx cheer from the crowd when they finally made a basket with 38 seconds left. Randolph then drained a three pointer to finish the scoring. Bama had an impressive 56-38 win. 'When you hold a team to 38 points you are playing great defense. Of particular note was the amount of contested shots the Vols were forced to take, and how many times the shot clock was almost dead when they were able to shoot.
It was a big win. I don't think that Alabama is going to win the SEC. With a 12-3 record they are going to surpass last years win total, and I'd bet they will be playing somewhere in the post season. The NCAA is in reach with a couple of additional road wins and keeping the home loss number down to 1. If Alabama can beat SC this week it will be huge for the Tide. The Tide doesn't match up well with SC, but our backcourt is so solid they can help tip the balance toward home. If Bama can shoot the ball well in Columbia they can win.
The addition of Ricky Tarrant has been key. He is a hard-nosed combo guard who isn't afraid to take it inside. His maturity has been helpful to Taylor and Kessens. Each of those two big guys are making strides. We may not win the SEC but we'll have a strong say into who does. Alabama can beat Kentucky if they shoot a high percentage, keep the boards fairly close, and hold turnovers to a minimum. Then you have to hope that Kentucky helps with poor shooting. I couldn't pick the Tide to beat them today, but it is possible. Ole Miss and TAM had a chance. They reached for the brass ring and just missed it. Kentucky is going to lose a game or two I'd bet.
I know that fans are going to continue to question Grant. Right now it is hard to do so. His teams have been close to being 13-2. That loss to WSU hurt, but I think it showed our team that we can compete. Keep in mind that Tennessee had already beaten two ranked teams and had won 5 games in a row. They were playing there best basketball and then lost by 18 on their home floor. When I watched the Vols this weekend I had a hard time understanding how they had beaten anyone. Alabama's defense was that good.
Cooper and Taylor have big game...
Alabama put the stop to a 16 road loss skid with a win over Tennessee this past weekend. SEC road losses stood at 12 straight. When you keep a team for scoring for over 12 minutes you are doing something right. If you watched the game, it was clear that Alabama had the Vols number. Tennessee couldn't have scored at a hooker's convention on Saturday. The Tide kept the Volunteers from scoring on 15 consecutive trips down the floor. Alabama wasn't liquid rocket fuel on offense, but the Tide overcame the home-court advantage by patience and taking good shots. The Tide also kept the turnovers down to 12. They rebounded well, and got big games from Taylor and Cooper. I bet Tennessee has had they care to hear from Alabama and anyone named Cooper.
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| Cooper beats Tennessee inside for easy basket. |
It was a big win. I don't think that Alabama is going to win the SEC. With a 12-3 record they are going to surpass last years win total, and I'd bet they will be playing somewhere in the post season. The NCAA is in reach with a couple of additional road wins and keeping the home loss number down to 1. If Alabama can beat SC this week it will be huge for the Tide. The Tide doesn't match up well with SC, but our backcourt is so solid they can help tip the balance toward home. If Bama can shoot the ball well in Columbia they can win.
The addition of Ricky Tarrant has been key. He is a hard-nosed combo guard who isn't afraid to take it inside. His maturity has been helpful to Taylor and Kessens. Each of those two big guys are making strides. We may not win the SEC but we'll have a strong say into who does. Alabama can beat Kentucky if they shoot a high percentage, keep the boards fairly close, and hold turnovers to a minimum. Then you have to hope that Kentucky helps with poor shooting. I couldn't pick the Tide to beat them today, but it is possible. Ole Miss and TAM had a chance. They reached for the brass ring and just missed it. Kentucky is going to lose a game or two I'd bet.
I know that fans are going to continue to question Grant. Right now it is hard to do so. His teams have been close to being 13-2. That loss to WSU hurt, but I think it showed our team that we can compete. Keep in mind that Tennessee had already beaten two ranked teams and had won 5 games in a row. They were playing there best basketball and then lost by 18 on their home floor. When I watched the Vols this weekend I had a hard time understanding how they had beaten anyone. Alabama's defense was that good.
- I like the unselfish play of Levi Randolph, but please shoot more often.
- Taylor had his best game as a post player.
- Kessens is getting closer to being a good player. He still makes some errors like putting the ball on the floor. But he is learning. I bet he has a breakout game soon.
- Tarrant has proven himself to be the Man in my opinion. He's the kind of a guy I'd like in my foxhole in tough times.
You have to give Grant some praise as well. It's hard to coach under good circumstances. He'll have this season and next to prove he can coach. Some will not like that prediction. I just think it is true. At least, I have been told as much. Right now It's just fun to watch the team improve. Maybe Grant turns into Norman Dale and Levi is Jimmy Cheatwood. Every team deserves a Hollywood finish at least once.
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