Alabama’s freshman sensation Brandon Miller did everything he could to keep Alabama in the game, but it ultimately was not enough as #15 Gonzaga defeated the #4 Crimson Tide 100-90 in the second annual C.M. Newton Classic.
The Crimson Tide were led by two talented true freshmen, Jaden Bradley and Brandon Miller. Miller was once again spectacular, finishing the game as Alabama’s leading scorer, with a game and career-high 36 points, hitting six of his 11 three-point attempts. Bradley, getting his second straight start due to Nimari Burnett’s injury, was the Tide’s second leading scorer behind Miller, with 18 points, shooting 50% from the field. Another Alabama freshman, Noah Clowney, continued to be a force in the paint by pulling down a team-high 13 rebounds, as well as contributing nine points, just one point short of a double-double.
Gonzaga senior forward Drew Timme had a better performance Saturday than he did against the Tide last season. Timme recorded a double-double, with a team high in both points with 29, and rebounds with 10. All game long, the Bulldogs continued to feed Timme the ball in the paint, and he delivered time and time again as Alabama had little to no answer for the reigning WCC Player of the Year.
Alabama had an effective day shooting Saturday, hitting 31 of their 60 shots from the floor, but unfortunately, Gonzaga had an even more effective day, shooting 57% by going 40 for 70 from the floor.
One of Alabama’s biggest weaknesses this season is turnovers, and Saturday, it was the difference in the game. The Crimson Tide turned the ball over 21 times to just nine by Gonzaga. The Bulldogs converted those 21 turnovers by the Tide into 23 points, while the Tide were only able to generate 11 points from the nine Gonzaga turnovers.
With the loss on Saturday, Alabama’s record drops to 9-2 this season. The Tide returns to Coleman Coliseum Tuesday, December 20, to host Jackson State.
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