Like runners in a marathon, the longer they run, the more they steam out.
Alabama ran out of energy in the final stretch of the regular season ending on a five-game losing streak. The longest streak of the season for the Crimson Tide.
The Alabama Crimson Tide fell 68-66 to Texas A&M in College Station. In a performance less than satisfying, the Tide missed 71 field goals and turned the ball over 25 times. It was a display of bad basketball, and the performance was a devastating way to end the season.
A team that once had a promised bid in the NCAA Tournament now leaves the decision in the hands of the committee.
Alabama finished the season (17-14, 8-10 SEC), and below expectations.
Even with offensive runs led by the Tide, they couldn’t stay consistent. The problem continues to be the same, bad shooting, missed free throws, and bad rebounding. With inconsistency, Collin Sexton recorded 23 points in his 12th 20-point game of the season. He was accompanied by Donta Hall with 12 points and six rebounds.
Tyler Davis led Texas A&M with a double-double, 20 points, 10 rebounds.
Freshman forward Herbert Jones, an all-around playmaker sat out due to a concussion, and Daniel Giddens did not see the floor.
Alabama head coach Avery Johnson said, “this is not the end of the world for Alabama basketball.”
It is obvious that Alabama is not playing their best basketball. After starting the season strong and having a (5-2) record against ranked opponents, Alabama has dismantled itself. During the five-game losing streak, all their problems were exposed.
The SEC Tournament takes place March 7-11th in St. Louis, MO. The Tide will have another opportunity to show the committee they deserve a bid. It is almost certain they will have to win one, maybe more games to secure their spot in March Madness.