Today’s game between Alabama and LSU had significant implications heading into the postseason. With an Alabama win, the Tide would maintain their spot as the fifth seed in the SEC Tournament. If LSU were to pull off the upset, they could move into the fifth slot if a couple of today’s other conference matchups ended in their favor.
It was senior day in Baton Rouge, and the Tigers appeared up to the challenge against the Tide, who had beaten them five consecutive times prior to this game.
The Crimson Tide got off to a rough start in its final regular-season game of the campaign but picked things up in the knick of time prior to the conclusion of the first half.
Alabama went into the locker room with a two-point lead, ahead 38-36 at the half.
The game was tightly contested throughout, especially throughout the entire second half and overtime, with neither team able to maintain a cushion on the scoreboard of anything more than five points.
Ultimately, the Crimson Tide offense couldn’t get it done when it mattered most, missing 13 of their last 14 three-pointers to end the game. the Tigers walk away with an 80-77 win despite solid performances from three Alabama stars.
The Tide outrebounded the Tigers by a significant margin offensively, winning that battle 17 to 11. Overall, Alabama outrebounded LSU 42-33.
Alabama shot 37% from the floor and hoisted up 40 threes, while only hitting 11, in the losing effort.
LSU shot 46% on field goals, including 35% from beyond the arc.
These three Crimson Tide stars shined despite the loss and contributed their best efforts for Nate Oats.
Keon Ellis
Ellis certainly carried the mantle for the Crimson Tide offensively today. He scored 19 points and connected on three of eight three-pointers.
Ellis also grabbed nine total rebounds, falling just short of a double-double, with four of those coming off the offensive glass.
Jahvon Quinerly
Despite missing the final shot, Quinerly contributed plenty enough for the Crimson Tide to earn a W. He tallied 16 points and pulled down three rebounds.
Quinerly hit on four of his 11 three-pointers.
JD Davison
While many will be upset with Davison regarding his failure to recognize the shot-clock late in the overtime period, resulting in a costly turnover, his efforts otherwise were not in vain.
The freshman phenom scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds off the boards. He shot three of seven from three and also contributed a team-high four assists.
Notably, Jaden Shackelford only tallied six points in a rare off night for the Crimson Tide’s leading scorer.
Shack threw up eight shots from three-point distance and didn’t hit a single note.
The close loss concludes the regular season for the Crimson Tide. More will be known regarding Alabama’s seeding in the SEC Tournament after the conclusion of the rest of the league games this evening.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to keep you updated on all things Crimson Tide.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Layne Gerbig on Twitter @LayneG_29.