Alabama played its first true road game of the year this season as the Memphis Tigers played host.
The atmosphere was hostile for the Crimson Tide, who were looking for their third straight win against a quality opponent.
The Crimson Tide were never really able to get going after the second half started. The Tigers suffocated them on defense and beat them at their own game on the offensive side of the ball: speed.
Memphis’ strategy of trying to outpace one of the fastest offenses in the sport worked beautifully. The Tide couldn’t keep up.
Alabama shot just 46% from the floor, including just 30% from three.
One of the biggest issues Nate Oats’ squad had on the night was protecting the basketball. The Tide turned the ball over 20 times and allowed 29 points off of those turnovers.
Something that Alabama was looking to improve on from last week’s matchup against Houston was the work off the glass. The Cougars tallied far too many offensive rebounds and converted many of them into second-chance points. That issue wasn’t as prevalent on Tuesday night in Memphis. The Tigers managed 11 offensive rebounds to Alabama’s 14.
The Crimson Tide was led in scoring by Keon Ellis, who had 19 points and six rebounds. Tonight’s rebounding leader for Alabama was Jaden Shackelford, who came down with eight boards.
Freshman guard JD Davison ended the night with 10 assists and two points shy of his first career double-double.
Going 2-1 in the stretch of games that Alabama just went through is impressive. It shows the resiliency and top-tier work-ethic that this team maintains.
Next up for the Crimson Tide is a home game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in Coleman Coliseum on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. CST.
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