Alabama basketball: Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide make huge statement, reach Sweet 16
The Alabama Crimson Tide went ballistic on the scoreboard, nearly reaching triple digits in a win over Maryland.
If you thought Alabama was only good on the gridiron, you clearly have not seen what they do on the basketball court under Nate Oats’ stewardship. Against Maryland in the Round of 32, the Tide rolled in and blew through the Terrapins 96-77 en route to the Sweet 16. This also leaves the Michigan Wolverines as the only Big Ten team left in the NCAA Tournament.
By halftime, you could see that the ball was falling through the hoop at a rapid rate for the Tide. Sophomore Jaden Shackleford and senior John Petty Jr. each racked up over 20 points and had support from the bench, with 39 points. Additionally, as a team, Alabama put up 16 baskets from beyond the arch.
While Maryland had 10 such shots, it paled in comparison to the Tide’s dominance. Maryland junior Aaron Wiggins had a solid night with 27 points, and three others put up double digits. However, in terms of the reserves, Maryland scraped up nine points.
The Alabama Crimson Tide are a team to be reckoned with in the Sweet 16.
It’s not an accident that the Alabama Crimson Tide are in the Sweet 16, and it’s no surprise that their play is sending a statement across the country with the message that they are more than just a football powerhouse.
Up next for Alabama is a school known for its history in the NCAA tournament due to them having the most titles in history at 11 in the UCLA Bruins. Coincidentally, the Bruins are an 11-seed and have played quite well in the tournament against Michigan State, BYU and Abilene Christian.
Still, it’s fair to assume that Oats’ squad will be prepared for what comes their way. If this keeps up, the Tide have a shot to not only win the region but potentially cut down the nets at the end of it all and join the 2007 Florida Gators as a school to win a title in both basketball and football in the same year.
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