The No. 1 ranked Arizona Wildcats decisively defeated the No. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide 96-75 on December 13, 2024, at Legacy Arena during the C.M. Newton Classic. After leading by a narrow margin at halftime, Alabama struggled to maintain its momentum in the second half as Arizona showcased its dominance.
Despite holding a 41-39 advantage at halftime, Alabama’s performance faltered after the break. The Wildcats quickly shifted the game in their favor, pulling away with a series of strong plays that highlighted their prowess. Arizona’s ability to dominate the boards proved crucial, as they out-rebounded Alabama 52-32 overall.
Rebounding Woes for Alabama
One of the key takeaways from the game was Alabama’s inability to compete effectively in rebounding. Head Coach Nate Oats emphasized the importance of this aspect leading up to the game. He stated, “Honestly, the way they pound the glass, and how physical they are… if we can’t rebound, we’re not going to have much of a shot to win this thing.” Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, Oats’ concerns were validated as they fell significantly behind in the rebounding battle.
The standout player for Arizona was Motiejus Krivas, a 7-foot-2 Lithuanian center, who played a pivotal role in securing offensive rebounds and contributing to second-chance points. Arizona finished the game with an impressive 22-3 advantage in offensive boards, underscoring their control of the paint.
Alabama’s Struggles from Beyond the Arc
Alabama started strong, particularly with their three-point shooting, which allowed them to take a brief lead. However, this ability diminished in the second half. The Crimson Tide managed to hit only two three-pointers the entire half, with their first coming five minutes before the game concluded. This drastic decline in shooting efficiency prevented Alabama from keeping pace as Arizona extended its lead.
Defensively, Alabama showed some bright spots in the first half, notably blocking nine shots. Sherrell was a key player in this effort, recording eight blocks throughout the game. While Alabama’s defensive plays were commendable, they ultimately were not enough to counterbalance Arizona’s offensive onslaught.
The defeat highlighted areas where Alabama will need to improve if they hope to compete with top-ranked teams in the future. As the season progresses, Oats and his squad will likely focus on strengthening their rebounding techniques and enhancing their shooting consistency.
In summary, the game served as a reminder of the challenges faced by Alabama when up against elite teams like Arizona. With the Wildcats demonstrating their strength and depth, the Crimson Tide will need to regroup and refine their strategy as they move forward in the season.
