After being spanked by Vanderbilt on Thursday night, a game Alabama Basketball team limped into a morning tip off at Rupp Arena and battled #2 Kentucky to the final second.
In the end, 'Bama was unable to get a defensive stop that would have positioned them to tie or take the lead at any point in the final 7 minutes in Lexington. Of course, Kentucky did not make make a basket in that span, but instead waltzed to the free throw line to snuff out Alabama's upset chance. Thank you Doug Shows.
On the bright side, Alabama by far may have played one of their best games of the year, if this game had been on a neutral floor or in Tuscaloosa, 'Bama wins by double figures. But in the friendly confines of Rupp Arena, John Calipari does not lose and you have to be great, not good in all phases to beat the 'Cats there.
Other positives were that Trevor Relford and Jaymichael Green each had superb performances and Trevor Lacey continues to show why he was such a highly touted recruit. But Tony Mitchell is still MIA and unless ll the three members of the Crimson version of the Big 3 are clicking against top tier competition, its tough for Alabama to win against those ranked opponents.
Other positives is that Alabama's schedule now gets easier as every game is winnable from here on out, should the Tide duplicate there performance from yesterday. Seven home wins and 2-3 on the road will put an NCAA Berth on the table come March, but should they slip up against a South Carolina this week, then the NIT talk will begin to resurface.
Alabama does not have a bad loss this year, as Georgetown, Kansas State, Miss St and Kentucky are all ranked, Vandy should be ranked and Dayton is leading the Atlantic 10 and will be an NCAA tournament team. The Tide also has wins against a rising Wichita State and 2 ACC Teams, a Big 10 and Big 12 opponent. So 'Bama is still in good position do have a very good season.
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