UPDATE: In a stunning second-half collapse, No. 12 Alabama suffered a decisive 96-75 loss against No. 1 Arizona during the C.M. Newton Classic at Legacy Arena on November 11, 2023. The Crimson Tide held a narrow lead at halftime, but the Wildcats showcased their dominance after the break, leaving Alabama struggling to keep pace.
The game began with Alabama maintaining a slim one-possession lead at halftime, but Arizona quickly took control just five minutes into the second half. The top-ranked Wildcats demonstrated why they are favored to win it all, overwhelming the Crimson Tide and asserting their rebounding prowess.
Alabama’s early success was attributed to its three-point shooting, which allowed them to lead 41-39 at the half. However, that momentum vanished in the second half as the Crimson Tide managed only two three-pointers. They struggled to find their rhythm, making just one triple early on before scoring another six minutes before the final buzzer.
The Wildcats dominated the boards, out-rebounding Alabama 52-32 overall and achieving a staggering 22-3 advantage on the offensive glass. Lithuanian center Motiejus Krivas, standing at 7-foot-2 and weighing 260 pounds, emerged as a key player for Arizona, contributing significantly to their second-chance points.
“If we can’t rebound, we’re not going to have much of a shot to win this thing,” said Alabama’s coach Nate Oats before the game, a prediction that sadly rang true.
Alabama’s defense showed flashes of brilliance in the first half, blocking nine shots, but ultimately could not keep the Wildcats at bay. Despite the loss, the blocked shots provided a glimmer of hope for the Crimson Tide amidst an otherwise challenging match.
With this defeat, Alabama needs to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back in their upcoming games. Fans will be eager to see how the team addresses their rebounding issues and shooting struggles moving forward.
Stay tuned for further updates on Alabama men’s basketball as the team prepares for their next challenge.
