Randolph leads comeback...
COOPER'S PUT BACK IS THE WINNER
What do you say after last night's 57-55 win? The Tide was completely out played until the 6:20 mark of the second half. Aubie got a shot clock violation, and after that it was all Tide. To be precise, it was the Levi Randolph show. The senior rallied his teammates for one final push. In the last 6 minutes the Tide finally started to show some energy, and it was just enough to win. Randolph scored 11 of his teams last 16 points. Included in that number was a great steal when Levi left his man, and jumped a passing lane for a steal. The subsequent dunk woke up an Alabama crowd who was fearing he worse. It was a fitting end for the senior guard and team captain. It was also the stuff of legends.
Lost in the happiness, or perhaps relief, you cannot overlook the fact that Alabama coaches put a team on the floor devoid of preparation. Frankly, what Tide fans witnessed the majority of game was completely ineptness. Tide faithful watched their worst nightmare unfolding. It seemed the coaching staff had no answers. Even Ricky Tarrant, who has been a stalwart this season, lost his composure, got two technical fouls, and a free bus ride home. His play, which was a complete departure from his regular game, summed up the Tide. They were out-hustled, clearly out-coached, and uptight. If you want to find a silver lining in last night it was that Alabama played as bad as a team could play, and still prevail. When it mattered most, Levi Randolph led his team out of the abyss and into the light.
I want to point out that Alabama shot over 50% in the second half. They also had no turnovers the last 7 minutes, after handing them out like free candy the rest of the game. The Tide didn't panic when Tarrant left. Justin Coleman came in and ran the show. He didn't make any of his patented long range rainbows, but he settled the team down, got the offense back on track, and did his job. Tarrant's second technical was something I've never seen before. The refs called a foul on Auburn, and after review, took that foul away, and let Auburn shoot free throws. The referees finally realized that Tarrant had to leave. Bruce Pearl had to point that out. The officiating in the SEC has reached a level of complete comedy this season. Auburn got their share of bad calls as well. It was an equal opportunity meltdown by three men who lost control of the game. The constant whistle blowing not only made for disjointed play but kept the players on edge. No one understood exactly what was going to be called. Horrible.
So Anthony Grant escaped the full blown anger of what would have happened if the Tide lost. I want to be very clear about one thing. I think that Grant had little to do with the comeback. That was Randolph and his teammates. I'd give Grant this. He has three games in six days and that is ridiculous on the part of the SEC. Alabama won't practice today, but they'll watch video of the Florida. They will wear those astounding body compressors, soak in a little ice water and count their blessing. Bama moves the 13-6. Auburn is a very bad basketball team. Pearl got a lot out of a little talent. Keep this in mind for all those who wanted Pearl at the Capstone. Bama kept the Auburn big men from going wild, shut down the top scorer after his two early three point baskets, and caused more turnovers than any team can endure. Let's keep in mind that despite all the problems, the defense gave up only 55 points. We actually out boarded the Tigers which was key. There were some good things. There was a disconnect between our coach and what was going on in the game in my opinion. Bama won, and in that's all that matters. I think Grant lost more ground with the fans last night. I'm not saying that matters or was fair. It is what it simply is. The fans want someone who can win big at Bama. Maybe that's Grant. Perhaps it's not not. I'm just glad the game was over. It could have been a lot worst.
COOPER'S PUT BACK IS THE WINNER
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| Randolph had a night to remember |
Lost in the happiness, or perhaps relief, you cannot overlook the fact that Alabama coaches put a team on the floor devoid of preparation. Frankly, what Tide fans witnessed the majority of game was completely ineptness. Tide faithful watched their worst nightmare unfolding. It seemed the coaching staff had no answers. Even Ricky Tarrant, who has been a stalwart this season, lost his composure, got two technical fouls, and a free bus ride home. His play, which was a complete departure from his regular game, summed up the Tide. They were out-hustled, clearly out-coached, and uptight. If you want to find a silver lining in last night it was that Alabama played as bad as a team could play, and still prevail. When it mattered most, Levi Randolph led his team out of the abyss and into the light.
I want to point out that Alabama shot over 50% in the second half. They also had no turnovers the last 7 minutes, after handing them out like free candy the rest of the game. The Tide didn't panic when Tarrant left. Justin Coleman came in and ran the show. He didn't make any of his patented long range rainbows, but he settled the team down, got the offense back on track, and did his job. Tarrant's second technical was something I've never seen before. The refs called a foul on Auburn, and after review, took that foul away, and let Auburn shoot free throws. The referees finally realized that Tarrant had to leave. Bruce Pearl had to point that out. The officiating in the SEC has reached a level of complete comedy this season. Auburn got their share of bad calls as well. It was an equal opportunity meltdown by three men who lost control of the game. The constant whistle blowing not only made for disjointed play but kept the players on edge. No one understood exactly what was going to be called. Horrible.
So Anthony Grant escaped the full blown anger of what would have happened if the Tide lost. I want to be very clear about one thing. I think that Grant had little to do with the comeback. That was Randolph and his teammates. I'd give Grant this. He has three games in six days and that is ridiculous on the part of the SEC. Alabama won't practice today, but they'll watch video of the Florida. They will wear those astounding body compressors, soak in a little ice water and count their blessing. Bama moves the 13-6. Auburn is a very bad basketball team. Pearl got a lot out of a little talent. Keep this in mind for all those who wanted Pearl at the Capstone. Bama kept the Auburn big men from going wild, shut down the top scorer after his two early three point baskets, and caused more turnovers than any team can endure. Let's keep in mind that despite all the problems, the defense gave up only 55 points. We actually out boarded the Tigers which was key. There were some good things. There was a disconnect between our coach and what was going on in the game in my opinion. Bama won, and in that's all that matters. I think Grant lost more ground with the fans last night. I'm not saying that matters or was fair. It is what it simply is. The fans want someone who can win big at Bama. Maybe that's Grant. Perhaps it's not not. I'm just glad the game was over. It could have been a lot worst.
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