Alabama overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to grab an SEC road win over Georgia by a score of 85-76.
Just looking at the final score you might think Alabama had an easy nine-point win on the road over Georgia, but it was far from easy.
Georgia opened up the game on a 17-2 run leading to a 14-point lead for the Bulldogs at halftime. Alabama caught fire in the second half, erasing the Georgia lead and completing the comeback.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
First Half Struggles
Alabama’s first half on Wednesday night was one of the worst halves in Nate Oats’ tenure at Alabama. Georgia held Alabama to just 27 points in the first half while limiting the Crimson Tide to just 2-for-11 from the three-point line. Georgia absolutely dominated the Crimson Tide on the glass 27-7 in the first half with 11 of their 27 rebounds on the offensive end creating second-chance opportunities. As a result of Alabama’s flat performance in the first half, Georgia carried a double-digit lead into the locker room.
Nelson Finds His Shot
Grant Nelson finally had a breakout game in SEC play, and it came at a time when Alabama needed it. Nelson has had some trouble with his shot this season, especially from the three-point line but has contributed on defense and pulling down rebounds. On Wednesday, it was his shooting from behind the arc that came through in the clutch to help secure the Alabama victory. Nelson finished with 20 points, but his successful three-point makes in back-to-back offensive trips for Alabama with under two minutes to go were key.
Pressure Produces Turnovers
Alabama’s defensive pressure helped keep the game from getting farther out of hand than the 14-point halftime deficit, allowing the Crimson Tide offense to find their shot in the second half and pull out the victory. Alabama forced Georgia into 19 turnovers in the game. Both Mark Sears and Latrell Wrightsell, Jr. had the most active hands for the Crimson Tide, each collecting a game-high four steals apiece. The 19 forced turnovers led to 19 points for Alabama. Alabama’s 13 steals tied a season high.
Sizzling Second Half
Alabama’s offense caught fire in the second half led by Mark Sears. Alabama’s leading scorer produced 19 of his 23 points in the second half. Alabama battled back from a 14-point hole, outscoring Georgia 58-35 in the second half. After a poor performance in the first half from the three-point line, Alabama found their shot going 6-for-12 from behind the arc in the second half.
Alabama will play host to Mississippi State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT.
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