Alabama basketball’s struggles to start games have become a concerning trend, and this issue resurfaced during their recent loss to Missouri. Despite a strong second-half push, the Crimson Tide couldn’t overcome an early deficit, falling short in a 75-65 defeat. Here are three key takeaways from the game that shed light on the challenges the team is currently facing.
1. Slow Starts Continue to Haunt Alabama
For the third consecutive game, Alabama found itself battling from behind due to a slow start. The Crimson Tide dug themselves into a hole early on, allowing Missouri to establish a commanding lead. Alabama shot poorly in the first half, missing open shots and turning the ball over too often. This gave Missouri the chance to build momentum, and even though Alabama fought hard in the second half, it was too little, too late. If Alabama is to compete for postseason success, they must find a way to come out of the gates stronger and more focused.
2. Offensive Efficiency Still a Work in Progress
One of Alabama’s major issues throughout the game was offensive inefficiency. While they showed glimpses of brilliance in the second half, the team’s overall performance lacked fluidity and cohesion. There were stretches where Alabama looked disjointed on offense, failing to execute plays and create good shot opportunities. Their shooting struggles were compounded by a lack of ball movement, resulting in stagnant possessions and an inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. It’s clear that head coach Nate Oats needs to address these offensive inconsistencies to improve the team’s overall performance.
3. Missouri’s Defensive Pressure Proved Too Much
Missouri’s defense was a major factor in Alabama’s struggles, particularly during the opening moments of the game. The Tigers were aggressive on defense, forcing Alabama into tough shots and creating turnovers. Alabama’s inability to handle Missouri’s defensive pressure limited their scoring options and made it difficult to get into an offensive rhythm. Alabama must find ways to break through this kind of defensive pressure if they want to be successful against other high-caliber teams moving forward.
Conclusion
Alabama’s loss to Missouri was another example of the team’s ongoing struggles with slow starts and offensive inconsistency. While they showed resilience in the second half, the early deficit proved too difficult to overcome. For Alabama to improve and make a serious run in the SEC and beyond, they will need to address these issues in practice. If they can start games with more energy, improve their offensive execution, and better handle defensive pressure, they’ll be much more competitive in upcoming contests.