Bama Hoops Game Recap: Tide’s mettle tested in win against McNeese State

In a game that tested the mettle of the Alabama Crimson Tide, the team emerged victorious over the McNeese State Cowboys with a final score of 72-64 on November 11, 2024. This matchup, held at Coleman Coliseum, was part of Alabama’s ‘Bama Salute’ Military Appreciation Week, adding a layer of significance to the evening’s proceedings.

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The Crimson Tide, ranked No. 2 nationally, faced unexpected resistance from the Cowboys. McNeese State’s tenacity kept the game within reach, challenging Alabama’s defense and testing their offensive strategies. Despite the closer-than-anticipated margin, Alabama managed to maintain control, showcasing resilience and adaptability.

Leading the charge for Alabama was Grant Nelson who provided a solid presence in the paint with 22 points (including making 8 of 10 FTs) and 8 rebounds, and Mark Sears, who contributed 15 points and 5 assists, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. also added 15 and made a significant impact from with his 5-9 shooting from beyond the arc.  Clifford Omoruyi also announced his large presence with 7 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.

Alabama’s shooting statistics reflected an offensive effort that struggled at times. The team shot 44% from the field and 32% from long range.  The team had a 12:22 scoring drought in the 2nd half during which McNeese scored 9 straight. Bama’s free-throw accuracy was notable as well, hitting 71% from the line.

Defensively, the Crimson Tide held McNeese State to 39% shooting from the field overall and 29% from three-point range. Alabama had a slight edge on the boards, outrebounding the Cowboys 36-35, which translated into a 14-6 advantage in second-chance points.

Head Coach Nate Oats acknowledged the challenges posed by McNeese State, stating, “I thought when we got up 21, [McNeese] didn’t cave, they didn’t quit, they kept fighting. They ended up outrebounding us on the offensive side, they had 12 o-boards to our 10 in the first half really early on. They kept us off the o-boards in the second half and they got them.”

His comments also reflected the team’s recognition of areas needing improvement, particularly in maintaining intensity throughout the game, stating, “I thought we played too slow. The ball ended up getting the right place at times way too late in the clock. We played down in the last 10 seconds of the shot clock way more often than we’d like to do.”

The game’s occurrence on Veteran’s Day served as a platform to honor military personnel, with various tributes and acknowledgments integrated into the event in front of the announced crowd attendance of 13,474 and a national TV audience on the SEC Network. The ‘Bama Salute’ initiative underscores the program’s commitment to community engagement and appreciation for service members.

This victory marks Alabama’s third consecutive win to start the season, building momentum as they prepare for more formidable opponents. The team’s ability to secure a win despite facing unexpected challenges speaks to their depth and resilience.

Looking ahead, the Crimson Tide will face a significant test as they travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, to take on the No. 14 Purdue Boilermakers on Friday, November 15, 2024. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Peacock. Fans can also listen to the live radio broadcast on the Crimson Tide Sports Network.

This upcoming matchup against Purdue will provide Alabama with an opportunity to gauge their progress against a top-tier opponent. The team’s performance in this game will be a critical indicator of their readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in the season.

What’s Up Next for Alabama

• Opponent: No. 14 Purdue Boilermakers
• Date: November 15, 2024
• Time: 6 p.m. CT
• Location: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Indiana
• TV Broadcast: Peacock
• Radio Broadcast: Crimson Tide Sports Network

Report by TideFans.com