This was a very very weird game. It started out being very physical and sloppy because of the physicality. Both teams were feeling each other out, and then UConn started making shots to pull ahead.
First the first 8 and a half minutes it was tied 10-10. From the 11:30 to the 7 minute mark in the first half Alabama was outscored 18-3. For the final 7 minutes of the half, Alabama outscored UConn 17-7.
Fast forward to the 2nd half, for the first 8 and a half minutes of the second half Alabama outscored UConn 22-17. However, from the 8:30 mark to 3 minutes left in the game Alabama was outscored 21-2. Then outscored UConn 13-9 for the final 3 minutes in garbage time.
For those 5 minute span in the first half and then in the second half, Alabama was outscored 39-5. The rest of the game? Alabama outscored UConn 62-43. I’d love to know the similarities of the lineups used in those two instances.
Basketball is a game of runs and those two runs won the game for UConn. Alabama didn’t help themselves turning the ball over 15 times in the first half. Give a lot of credit to Dan Hurley’s team because he knew what Nate Oats gameplan was and he beat him to it. Alabama only shot 16 threes because UConn was very physical with Alabama and forced them off their spots. Alabama matched the physicality for most of the game and it was impressive to see the freshman respond after the run in the first half, but just couldn’t pull away in the 2nd half.
Games like this happen, especially this early against a really good team. It doesn’t get any easier with Alabama facing UNC on Sunday in the 3rd place game. I really wanted Alabama to beat Mich St and then whatever happened after that happens. They didn’t go winless and fall on their face, but got a top tier win on their resume. Lets see if they can add an even bigger one on Sunday.
First the first 8 and a half minutes it was tied 10-10. From the 11:30 to the 7 minute mark in the first half Alabama was outscored 18-3. For the final 7 minutes of the half, Alabama outscored UConn 17-7.
Fast forward to the 2nd half, for the first 8 and a half minutes of the second half Alabama outscored UConn 22-17. However, from the 8:30 mark to 3 minutes left in the game Alabama was outscored 21-2. Then outscored UConn 13-9 for the final 3 minutes in garbage time.
For those 5 minute span in the first half and then in the second half, Alabama was outscored 39-5. The rest of the game? Alabama outscored UConn 62-43. I’d love to know the similarities of the lineups used in those two instances.
Basketball is a game of runs and those two runs won the game for UConn. Alabama didn’t help themselves turning the ball over 15 times in the first half. Give a lot of credit to Dan Hurley’s team because he knew what Nate Oats gameplan was and he beat him to it. Alabama only shot 16 threes because UConn was very physical with Alabama and forced them off their spots. Alabama matched the physicality for most of the game and it was impressive to see the freshman respond after the run in the first half, but just couldn’t pull away in the 2nd half.
Games like this happen, especially this early against a really good team. It doesn’t get any easier with Alabama facing UNC on Sunday in the 3rd place game. I really wanted Alabama to beat Mich St and then whatever happened after that happens. They didn’t go winless and fall on their face, but got a top tier win on their resume. Lets see if they can add an even bigger one on Sunday.