By Chris DePew
TideFans.com Staff
Nov. 11, 2018
Faced with a seven-point deficit in the second half, Alabama roared back to life behind 21 points from freshman Kira Lewis to put away visiting Appalachian State 81-73.
What did we learn today?: Alabama is back to winning ugly during nonconference play. The Crimson Tide and Mountaineers both finished with 25 field goals – but Bama needed 14 more attempts to match their guests. Bama shot just 38.5 percent from the floor and did not make a 3-pointer after halftime. What made the difference was a lopsided free throw differential, and even then it was a matter of applying blunt force trauma, as the home team went 26-for-43 from the line. All 10 Tide players who saw action scored, but other than Lewis and Donta Hall no one made more than two field goals. At best this was a needed reality check after a too-easy opening win against a patsy. At worst it showed that the same old problems with focus and finishing at the rim are no closer to being solved.
What was the best part of the game?: Turning turnovers into a one-sided problem. Much of the reason Appalachian State did not get more shot attempts was that Bama constantly hassled the Mountaineers on offense, forcing 22 turnovers and converting them into 26 points. But just as crucial was the way the Crimson Tide cleaned up its own turnover problems. Bama gave the ball away just 10 times, and only three of those came in the second half. Particularly during those stretches when points are hard to come by, it is crucial for this team to take advantage of every possession possible. Nobody turned the ball over more than twice.
Who was the star?: Even with Dazon Ingram healthy enough to contribute eight points and eight rebounds before fouling out, it was Lewis who got the starting nod, and he completely justified the faith Avery Johnson had in him. After making his first three attempts from behind the arc his deep ball touch went away, but by then he had Appalachian State right where he wanted them. As the Mountaineers extended out to guard him deep, it left openings to drive the lane for great looks at short baskets. Thirteen of his 21 points came in the first half and he finished shooting 9-for-18 from the floor. It was no coincidence that Bama’s two worst stretches came when he rested in the first half and when he endured a mini shooting slump for the first nine minutes after the break. Also deserving mention is Hall with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
What were the biggest concerns?: Herbert Jones persevered through a horrendous shooting night, but someone needed to put up the stop sign sooner. It’s hard to fault a double-digit scorer in an eight-point win, but Jones was a miserable 2-for-11 from the floor and a ghastly 6-for-16 at the foul line, single-handedly bringing down the Tide’s free throw accuracy on the night by nearly 15 percent while collecting four fouls himself. There were high hopes that Jones’ scoring would take a big step forward this year to match his value on defense. So far the early returns are grim.
What’s next?: Alabama’s next three games are in South Carolina at the Charleston Classic, beginning with a Thursday afternoon matchup against Northeastern. Tipoff is at approximately 1 p.m. Central on ESPNU.
Follow Chris DePew on Twitter @TideFansChris