No. 23 Alabama found itself in a fierce battle against Clemson in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Tuesday night.
Alabama got off to a slow start lacking energy from both the players and the crowd. The lack of energy was so bad that ESPN announcer Jay Williams called out the Alabama crowd.
“What’s the point of playing at home if it’s not gonna have a home court advantage? Like, this doesn’t feel like a home-court advantage at all for Alabama," Williams said. "The place is not packed, the fans don’t seem to be engaged. It seems to be more like a tennis match. And by the way, Clemson has been taking the air out of the building."
With the lack of enthusiasm from the Alabama fans, Clemson took full advantage, upsetting the Crimson Tide 85-77.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Slow Start For Sears
Mark Sears was held scoreless for the first 15 minutes of the game, but once he got his first bucket to fall, he came alive. Sears would finish with a game-high 23 points. It was a tough night of shooting for the Crimson Tide with Sears having the most success for Alabama.
Fast-break Points
Alabama thrives on running the floor, and on Tuesday night, the Tide were successful at doing just that. In a game the Crimson Tide struggled shooting the ball, they were able to score 17 to easy points off fast-breaks. On the defensive end, Alabama was able to keep Clemson scoreless on fast-break points.
Lost the Battle Inside
On Tuesday, Clemson was able to bully Alabama inside the paint with 32 points to just 22 for the Crimson Tide. The Tigers also controlled the paint defensively with seven block shots. Both teams split with 41 rebounds apiece with Alabama doubling up Clemson with 16 offensive rebounds to eight. The Crimson Tide weren’t able to take advantage of the offensive rebounds, scoring only 11 second chance points.
Shooting Woes Continue
Since traveling to Florida for the Emerald Coast Classic, Alabama has struggled shooting the ball. On Tuesday, Alabama returned back home to Coleman Coliseum, but the shooting woes continued. Alabama was held to a season-low 77 points. The Clemson defense was able to hold Alabama’s offense to just 34% from the field.
Next up for the Crimson Tide will be Arkansas State on December 4 at 7 p.m. CT in Coleman Coliseum.
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