Alabama Basketball Loses to Auburn in Tuscaloosa for the first time since 2009.
Alabama Basketball dropped another game to the Auburn Tigers Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. To Avery Johnson’s credit, the Tide never quit and fought back late to cut a big Auburn lead before falling 82-77. Auburn was 15-27 from outside the arc, 55.6%. Same stat, Alabama was 8-32, 25%. The Tide dominated the boards 47-28.
If you are looking for a traditional news story with more of the nitty-gritty details, I suggest going to http://rolltide.com/
What I will provide is perspective and it will not be the least bit objective. First I must disclose, my rancor against Auburn football and men’s basketball is extreme. And I mean 24/7 and 365.
Additionally, I have less respect for Bruce Pearl than any other football or basketball head coach in the SEC. Wait, that is not accurate. Less respect suggests I have some respect for Pearl. I have none. Make that NONE. I would love to elaborate but I think I have made my point.
Back to last night’s game. Auburn is a slightly above average team. As much as it pains me to admit it, Auburn is better than Alabama. Why is that? I think there are three essential reasons.
#1 There is a talent gap between the Tide and the Tigers. Auburn has better shooters – much better
Auburn plays a more fluid game than Alabama. Their shooters are more confident and their long range shooters are almost always in rhythm. Their shooters are also quick and use their quickness to sometimes attack the basket. Even while they were raining rainbows, at times the Tide defenders gave them ample space to shoot. A defender does that for only two reasons – playing lazy (and that is not the Tide’s problem) or because the defender is afraid to get beat off the dribble.
#2 Auburn has better ball movement and better player motion in half-court sets
Auburn lives off dribble penetration and kick-out passes to open three shooters. It is not
complicated but it works because of player motion and quick passing. Alabama, by comparison, has a more controlled offensive scheme. Compared to Auburn, the Tide’s ball movement and player motion are stagnant.
#3 Auburn plays loose and when they are hot they never ease back
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Auburn is not a particularly good defensive team. They have quick feet and hands and they work hard to cause opponents to make turnovers. That is about all they have on defense. They know they must out-score rather then out-defend teams in order to win.
Their style of play is very attractive to hot-shot players who have spent their AAU careers running and gunning. That is the key to Pearl’s recruiting success. Add that to Pearl’s history of sundry recruiting practices and it is easy to understand why players choose Auburn.
Can Alabama regain its former edge on Auburn?
Alabama can and Avery is close to doing it. Within two seasons, maybe even next season, Alabama will have the talent to play with anybody in the conference, except maybe the Wildcats.
Avery can coach and his future, more talented teams will exhibit more fluid offensive play. We can expect those teams to maintain their defensive toughness and competitive fight.
Beginning with next season, Alabama will win more. I expect much more. The turnaround can happen fast given the players in route to the Capstone next season.
Hold on Tide fans and get ready to buckle up again.
