Alabama Basketball: 3 keys to beating San Diego State in Sweet 16 matchup
By Justin Wiles
Limit Turnovers
San Diego State’s biggest strength is its defense. The Aztecs average just over seven steals per game. This could be a potential problem for the Tide. On the season Alabama averages over 14 turnovers per game. Committing that many turnovers in an NCAA Tournament game can be disastrous for even the best offenses. Turnovers aren’t unexpected from a team that plays with the pace that Alabama does, but it’s the type of turnovers and when they happen that could cause issues for the Tide.
Alabama is aggressive in every game they play, and while they would like to avoid turnovers that’s not always possible. The types of turnovers the Tide needs to avoid are the ones that give San Diego State fast break opportunities. The Aztecs will look to limit Alabama’s offensive possessions, keeping the high-powered Tide offense in check.
Alabama hasn’t faced a defense that pressures the ball as well as San Diego State so far this tournament. In recent games, the Tide have been able to overcome turnovers to win games. Most recently in their SEC semifinal game against Missouri, a team that forces more turnovers than San Diego State, Alabama was able to overcome 17 turnovers to beat the Tigers by 11 points. The Tide’s offense is strong enough to make up for turnovers but if Alabama can limit its turnovers that will give San Diego State fewer opportunities to keep the game in check.