Alabama was an all-too-gracious guest in the debut game at the Pavilion at Ole Miss, turning the ball over 19 times and making only nine field goals after halftime as the Rebels pulled away for a 74-66 win in the Crimson Tide’s SEC opener, the third consecutive win in the series for Ole Miss.
What did we learn today?: Bama can be beaten at its own game. The Tide actually shot a respectable 44.9 percent from the field and was on pace for a big night after seizing a 40-32 halftime lead. But Alabama turned it over a dozen times in the second half, looking sloppy and unsure of itself whenever it tried to push the pace. The Crimson Tide isn’t talented enough to generate enough points from its half-court offense. If it can’t create an advantage in points off turnovers, it can’t go anywhere in SEC play.
What were the biggest concerns?: Shannon Hale doesn’t look particularly close to being in full game shape. He came off the bench for the second game in a row, scoring four points over 15 minutes and had to be subbed out late when Bama was desperate for offense. All of the big men spent the night in foul trouble, with Jimmie Taylor picking up four that limited his minutes and backup Donta Hall fouling out. Mike Kessens was an emergency plugin at the post position and while he showed some surprising fight down the stretch (10 points, seven rebounds) he also got four fouls. As the whistles piled up, Ole Miss feasted on buckets in the paint with Bama unable to effectively defend the rim. Not surprisingly, the Rebels also broke a halftime tie to win the rebounding battle, 37-30, including 15 offensive boards.
What was the best part of the game?: Arthur Edwards is officially consistent enough to be called a true 3-point threat, something Alabama has sorely lacked in past years. Expecting him to go 5-for-6 from long-range every night isn’t practical, but he’s done it enough that teams can’t automatically pack in a tight zone and dare him to shoot.
Who was the star?: Retin Obasohan matched his career scoring high, notching 23 points for the second consecutive game and also collecting six rebounds and three steals. Five turnovers (a total matched by Edwards and Justin Coleman) is a stomach turner, but it is hard to ask more from Bama’s iron man (39 minutes) who starts at shooting guard and is practically a co-starter with Coleman at the point.
What’s next?: After becoming the last team to start league play, the Tide gets the heat turned way up after only one day off. No. 9 Kentucky, fresh off having a 22-game conference win streak snapped, visits Coleman Coliseum on Saturday for a 5 p.m. Central tip on the SEC Network.
Follow Chris DePew on Twitter @TideFansChris