In a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats overpowered the No. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide, winning 96-75 on March 15, 2024, at Legacy Arena as part of the C.M. Newton Classic. Alabama held a slim one-point lead at halftime but struggled to maintain momentum in the second half, allowing Arizona to pull away decisively.
The game began with Alabama demonstrating competitive spirit, leading 41-39 at the break, primarily due to their effective three-point shooting. However, this advantage dissipated quickly as Arizona’s performance escalated in the second half. The Wildcats, showcasing their top-ranking status, seized control of the game about five minutes after halftime, outscoring Alabama significantly and never looking back.
Motiejus Krivas, the towering 7-foot-2 Lithuanian center, played a pivotal role in Arizona’s dominance, particularly in rebounding. He contributed significantly to the Wildcats’ 22-3 advantage in offensive rebounds, culminating in crucial second-chance points. Overall, Arizona out-rebounded Alabama 52-32, a statistic that proved critical in the game’s outcome.
The challenges for Alabama intensified as their three-point shooting faltered in the second half. After hitting a series of early three-pointers, the Crimson Tide managed only one triple in the first part of the second half and another late in the game, when the score was already well out of reach. This lack of offensive production was particularly evident as Arizona steadily increased their lead.
Despite the scoreline, Alabama’s defense displayed moments of brilliance, particularly in shot-blocking. The Crimson Tide recorded an impressive nine blocks in the first half, led by Sherrell, who continued to disrupt Arizona’s attempts near the rim. Although these defensive efforts did not ultimately change the game’s outcome, they provided a glimpse of Alabama’s potential when executing their game plan effectively.
Coach Nick Oats emphasized the importance of rebounding leading up to the game, stating, “Honestly, the way they pound the glass, and how physical they are, if we can’t rebound, we’re not going to have much of a shot to win this thing.” His assessment proved accurate as Alabama struggled to keep pace in this crucial area of play.
The defeat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Alabama as they strive to compete at the highest level. The Crimson Tide will need to address their rebounding deficiencies and regain their shooting rhythm to improve in future contests. As for Arizona, the victory solidifies their top ranking and showcases their ability to dominate both offensively and defensively.
With this win, Arizona continues to reinforce its status as a formidable contender in college basketball, while Alabama will look to regroup and learn from this experience as the season progresses.
