NCAA Basketball: Purdue, Marquette rise in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
19. Alabama (5-1)
Even without Brandon Miller and a few other faces from recent seasons the Crimson Tide still possess a deadly offense. Alabama scores at a phenomenal rate and have gotten great contributions from the new members of this rotation, though there’s still the question of the other side of the ball. Nate Oats’ squad is full of impressive athletes, but their defense let them down this past week during their own holiday tournament.
The Crimson Tide played in the Emerald Coast Classic in Florida and things didn’t go exactly as planned. Alabama lost their first game of the year on Friday, dropping a 92-81 game against Ohio State. Transfers Grant Nelson (20 points) and Aaron Estrada (19 points) were both excellent, but the Buckeyes shot the ball really well. They’d bounce back the following afternoon with another awesome offensive performance, winning 99-91 over Oregon. Mark Sears had 27 points and 7 rebounds while Estrada added 22 in the team’s bounce back win.
Still averaging nearly 100 points a game, Alabama leads the nation in offensive efficiency and have gotten great contributions all over the lineup. The Crimson Tide undoubtedly have the talent to do damage in the SEC, though you have to wonder if they can continue to outshoot their way to these wins. They’ll host Clemson for the ACC/SEC Challenge next week but have a ridiculous stretch in December that will certainly require a bit more from the defense.