No. 13 Alabama was unable to slow down No. 17 Kentucky and suffered an embarrassing 117-95 defeat at Rupp Arena on Saturday.
Saturday’s game showcased two of the nation’s best offenses and also two of the nation’s worst defenses. It was no surprise that these two teams combined for 212 points, putting the lack of an Alabama defense in the spotlight. Kentucky flirted with scoring the most points against the Crimson Tide in program history but fell short of the 122 points that Alabama allowed to USC in 1970.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Turnover Trouble
Alabama was unable to take care of the basketball, and it cost them. The Crimson Tide turned over the ball 16 times, leading to 29 points off turnovers for Kentucky. Alabama was able to turn over the Wildcats 10 times but could only convert the 10 turnovers into 10 points.
Zero Defense
A lack of defense has been the Achilles heel to this Alabama basketball team all year long. Throughout the season, Alabama has relied on its prolific offense to make up for the lack of defense, but Saturday, it wasn’t enough. Alabama faced a Kentucky offense that is one of the top offenses in the nation and surrendered 117 points, the most allowed by Alabama since Nate Oats was named head coach.
3. Cold From Behind the Arc
Latrell Wrightsell, Jr. missed his second game in a row due to a head injury, and for the second game in a row, Alabama was held under their season average of three-point makes. Kentucky held the Crimson Tide to just six three-pointers on 17 attempts. One of Alabama’s most consistent three-point shooters, Rylan Griffen, had a tough night shooting, going 2-for-8 from behind the arc.
Can Alabama Win Away From Home?
Of Alabama’s eight losses on the season, seven of those have come on either the road or neutral site games. The quality of the opponents that they have lost to on the road has been top-level competition, but at some point, they have to win tough road games. The Crimson Tide tout an impressive 12-1 record at home, but unfortunately for Alabama, they won’t be playing tournament games in Coleman Coliseum.
Next for No. 13 Alabama is a road game at Ole Miss Wednesday, February 28, at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
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