Bama guts through to top 20 Witchita State in upset 64-60 ...


   

  Alabama just beat Witchita State, a top 20 team.  What a great win for first-year head coach Avery Johnson. How ironic is that? It was almost burlesque as the clock hit zero. The coach that Alabama wined, dined, and prayed would take the job as head basketball coach was on the other bench. At the end of that offensive series of events, it became apparent that he played Alabama. Hindsight is always 20-20 and for the Tide it proved to be a blessing in disguise. I have no idea of how many the team might win this season, but to me this one will be the most satisfying.

        I’m well aware Fred Van Fleet didn’t play. I’m sure the Shocker fans will use that as an excuse for the loss. Fair enough, but it isn’t the reason why Alabama beat WSU.  Hard play on the defensive end of the court delivered the victory. Johnson is supposed to be an offensive guru. He’s not bad at teaching defense either is he?  The final score was 64-60. Riley Norris knocked in two free throws to make it a two-possession game, and the Tide got its first signature win this season. It was also Norris who shadowed Doug Baker the last few minutes of the game, making him a non-factor.  The sophomore from little Albertville, Alabama also knocked in a big three-point basket in the last five minutes to help Bama take the lead.

        I’m happy for the team. This one was for loyal Alabama hoop fans all over the world. Be assured one thing, however, the team played hard for Avery Johnson and not against Greg Marshall. The Tide’s record are now 3-2. The Tide will play Notre Dame, who beat Big Ten Iowa. The winner of this game will win fifth place in the tournament.  I felt if ‘Bama could win one game in the Advocare it would have been a successful trip. Two wins will give the team something to do a little chest bumping. 

      Alabama shot only  41% from the floor but held the normally hot shooting Shockers to 31%.  Give credit to Alabama defenders who contest almost every shot. WSU loves the three. The made on 10-30 and virtually every shot had a hand in their face. Doug Baker, the best outside shooter on the Shocker team, made only 3-9 from behind the arc. The Tide did an excellent job of the jump-switch on the high screen and denied the Shocker open shot.

     The night belonged to Shannon Hale who had a big 20 points. Hale was 6-10 from the floor and knocked down 2-4 three-pointers.  His biggest two baskets game in the last four minutes when he drained a three, and later muscled his way to the basket to score a highly contest basket He was also 6-7 from the line. The Crimson andd White were red-hot from the line making 25-30. The game was well played with few turnovers. Each team hung on to the ball and didn’t waste many opportunities on the offensive end.

         Alabama looked much better when they couldn’t fast break or get a quick shot. The pulled the ball out to midcourt, ran their offense. The spacing was good with a lot of down screens and player movement. This was an incredible win for the new Tide. Dazon Ingram had five turnovers and looked like a freshman at times, but he looked good most of the night. Once again, Ingram was the Tide’s leading rebounder with eight. A successful night following a couple of tough second halves is always nice. This time, the Tide didn’t let the second half ruin the night. What a way to start the weekend.

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