Bama destroys Auburn 68-50

Tide sends a strong to little brother....

    On a night where Auburn had everything going for them, Alabama rose up with a vengeance to remind the Tigers who was the best basketball program in this State. The score was 68-50. It was hardly that close. The Crimson Tide dominated the Tigers in every aspect of the game, and when the final buzzer sounded before a dwindling AU crowd, everyone in Lee County knew the truth. It's not just football where 'Bama rules, it's also the round ball game. 

    Auburn went into last nights game with a perfect scenario. They were at home, Alabama was with out the suspended Tony Mitchell, there was a packed house, and Auburn was 12-1 at home. Auburn may not be great basketball but they play great at home. Make that 12-2 now. When the Alabama defense was finished with Aubie they had taken away any remote idea that Tiger basketball was on the ascension and gaining ground on Alabama. It was as one sided a game as you will ever see. The stunning part was it happened in Auburn. 'Bama has beaten Auburn on many occasions at their home before, but I don't think I've ever seen a beat down on a team like Alabama delivered.  

    Alabama learned they may well be a better team without Tony Mitchell. The chemistry was better with heady  Steele starting. The sometimes maligned JayMycal Green had 19 points 7 rebounds, 1 blocked shot, and 4 sensational assists out of the low post against the AU double team. For good measure Green also nailed a three point basket after Nick Jacobs kicked the ball out to him from the blocks. I'm not sure when Auburn understood they were beat, but after Greens bomb  they seemed to lose their fire. Alabama sensed the change and unmercifully sliced and diced the hapless Tigers. If I was a referee I'd have checked the Tide players to see if they had tire tools hidden away somewhere. The Tide players were very, very physical.  After the first 10 minutes or so this wasn't a competitive game it was a Tiger hunt from the back of an Elephant. When it was over the Tide had the game and Auburn's manhood tucked away in their gym bags. This game was so one-sided I bet the students went down to Toomer's Corner and poisoned those trees themselves. 

    The mastermind of what happened on the floor was Trevor Releford. Releford had 5 assists, 15 points, 5 steals, and the ever lasted hatred of anyone wearing orange and blue. A great scene was watching little TR dribble out the last 25 seconds of the game when Auburn graciously accepted the outcome. Releford logged in 32 minutes and was 9-10 from foul line. Auburn got tagged for 3 technical fouls in the first half. 2 were for hanging the rim, and the final was on Tony Barbee in the waning seconds of the first half. That outburst wasn't to fire his team up he was just mad at the officials for those first 2 technicals. Alabama's 35-24 half-time lead was largely due to those 3 technical fouls. The Tide dominated every aspect of game except hanging on the rim. The Tigers were great rim hangers. Bet those guys got a good view of the carnage from up there.

     Andrew Steele had  6 assists in his starting role as the shooting guard. More importantly,  Steele handled the press and never turned the ball over. He avoided double team traps, got the ball back to Releford in the middle of the open. Text book basketball. It was a joy to watch.  The Tide got 11 assists out of their starting back court on the road. The subs outscored AU's subs 29-8, and their was no let up when they played. Carl Engstrom made an unexpected appearance in the first half and had 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 great blocked shot. One of those baskets was a tip in.


     Rodney Cooper made a long 3 ball and totaled 8 points. It was the first game he has looked relaxed to me this season. played good defense but each scored only two points. 


Some numbers for you


Bama from the field - 46.2% a winning number
Three point hoops  - 6-14   a wow number for the Tide.  Against your Rival even
Free throws: 14-20 for 70%
Alabama out boarded the Tigers, created 11 steals and 20 turnovers.