No. 2 Alabama faced former assistant coach Bryan Hodgson and Arkansas State on Friday night and escaped with an 88-79 win. The Red Wolves matched the physicality of the Crimson Tide, leading to a bunch of foul calls that kept Alabama from getting in a rhythm on offense.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Foul Fest
It was a physical game on both sides and the referees weren’t afraid to blow their whistles. The two teams were called for a total of 52 personal fouls, 28 against Arkansas State and 24 for Alabama. The Crimson Tide was in the bonus just five minutes into the game but they didn’t waste time putting Arkansas State in the bonus as well. The constant stoppage from the foul calls prevented Alabama’s offense from ever getting into a consistent rhythm.
Poor Free Throw Shooting
Despite all the fouls called in the game, Alabama was unable to fully take advantage at the free throw line. The Crimson Tide were sent to the line for 44 free throw attempts but was only able to hit 28 of them for just 64%.
Three-Point Struggles
Not only did Alabama struggle from the line but they also had problems from behind the arc. What is usually a strong point for Alabama ended up being an issue. Alabama took 31 three-pointers and only hit six for just 19% from behind the arc.
Second Chance Points
Alabama utilized their size inside to generate points off their misses. The Crimson Tide pulled down 14 offensive rebounds and turned them into 21 second chance points. Arkansas State pulled down eight offensive rebounds of their own but was only able to convert them for seven second chance points.
Alabama will host McNeese State on Monday at 6 p.m. CT in Coleman Coliseum. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
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