The first game in the NCAA Tournament is typically the most stressful and it sure was today. Rick Pitino had his guys ready to defend and they did a great job on our three point shooters. They never let our shooters get comfortable and did a great job running them off the three point line. You could tell at the end of the first half Alabama was tense and wasn't playing like themselves. Herb Jones played 39 minutes and they needed every minute they could of him. He finished with 20 points and 3 steals and that really sparked Alabama late in the 2nd half. Alabama's defensive length and athleticism wore down Iona and they started making a lot of careless turnovers. John Petty had his worst game of his career shooting 3/13 and 3/8 from the free throw line and he looked like a man who lost all confidence. For Alabama to beat a solid team while not scoring over 70 points, playing at their slow pace, and shooting worse than they have all season shows how much grit and toughness they have. JQ had a good game scoring 11 points and carried Alabama late with his quick first step and elite finishing. The turning point in the game came from Alex Reese who hit back to back threes to stretch the lead to 8 and Alabama never looked back
Alabama will face the winner of UCONN/Maryland on Monday afternoon. UCONN has guards similar to Iona, in particular James Boutknight who is one of the best players in the country. Maryland would be the best matchup with Alabama because they can stretch their big men to the perimeter and they are not a good offensive team. Hey, it was more stressful that it should've been, but it is the NCAA Tournament and nothing will be easy. Alabama held on to play another game!
Alabama will face the winner of UCONN/Maryland on Monday afternoon. UCONN has guards similar to Iona, in particular James Boutknight who is one of the best players in the country. Maryland would be the best matchup with Alabama because they can stretch their big men to the perimeter and they are not a good offensive team. Hey, it was more stressful that it should've been, but it is the NCAA Tournament and nothing will be easy. Alabama held on to play another game!