Frustration from a forgettable first half carried over after the break during Alabama's 73-68 victory over South Alabama last night as Nate Oats was whistled for a technical foul after stepping onto the court to argue a call. The head coach, who was unhappy about an uncalled traveling violation, had to be held back by assistant Bryan Hodgson as he voiced his displeasure from in front of his bench.
“I thought the kid traveled. It looked like he dragged his feet two feet to me,” Oats said. “So, a technicality, I was on the floor. You’re not supposed to step on the floor to discuss that with them, so it was the correct T. So, hopefully, every coach who argues a call and steps on the floor gets the same T call.”
Interestingly enough, technical fouls have been somewhat of a good luck charm for Oats as Alabama is 9-0 in games where he has been T’ed up.
“I don’t think we’ve lost when he’s got a tech since he’s been here,” Shackelford said. “I feel like that’s a good stat. He’s into the game, he’s very passionate about the game. I mean, obviously, we don’t want techs because we don’t want to give the other team free points, but it just fires us up more to double down and get stops to win the game.”
Added Oats: “It’s never been on purpose, but think it’s true. I guess if we’re in trouble, I’m going to go ahead and get a T on purpose from now on.”
“I thought the kid traveled. It looked like he dragged his feet two feet to me,” Oats said. “So, a technicality, I was on the floor. You’re not supposed to step on the floor to discuss that with them, so it was the correct T. So, hopefully, every coach who argues a call and steps on the floor gets the same T call.”
Interestingly enough, technical fouls have been somewhat of a good luck charm for Oats as Alabama is 9-0 in games where he has been T’ed up.
“I don’t think we’ve lost when he’s got a tech since he’s been here,” Shackelford said. “I feel like that’s a good stat. He’s into the game, he’s very passionate about the game. I mean, obviously, we don’t want techs because we don’t want to give the other team free points, but it just fires us up more to double down and get stops to win the game.”
Added Oats: “It’s never been on purpose, but think it’s true. I guess if we’re in trouble, I’m going to go ahead and get a T on purpose from now on.”
