No. 2 Alabama improved to 3-0 on the season with another close victory, defeating McNeese State by a final score of 72-64.
Once again, the Crimson Tide found themselves in a battle with a talented mid-major team, and once again, they came out victorious by single digits.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Nelson Big Game In First Start
Grant Nelson is expected to be a full-time starter but has been limited in his minutes due to injury. On Monday, Nelson got his first start of the season, and he made it a good one. Nelson led all scorers with 22 points while also pulling down seven rebounds. Nelson successfully drew fouls and hit eight of his 10 free throw attempts.
Wrightsell Hot From Deep
Latrell Wrightsell finished the night with 15 points, all from behind the arc. Wrightsell went 5-for-9 from the three-point line to lead all Crimson Tide three-point shooters. Wrightsell also recorded two rebounds and two assists.
Playing Down to the Competition
For the second game in a row, Alabama let lesser opponents stay in the game longer than they should. Friday night, Alabama let an Arkansas State team keep it close for most of the night before ultimately winning the game by nine points. On Monday, the Crimson Tide let another mid-major team stick around late in the game. McNeese State was down by as many as 21 in the second half, but a nine-minute span without a field goal by Alabama let them back in the game, losing by just eight points.
Turnover Trouble
Ball security was an issue for Alabama on Monday night. The Crimson Tide turned the ball over 15 times, which resulted in 14 points for McNeese State. Bad passing and shot clock violations caused Alabama’s turnovers. Alabama did try to make up for the turnovers by forcing 13 of its own and converting the McNeese State turnovers into nine points.
No. 2 Alabama will hit the road to play No. 13 Purdue on Friday at 6 p.m. CT. The game will be streamed on Peacock.
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