UPDATE: In a stunning display of dominance, the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats crushed the No. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide, securing a decisive 96-75 victory on December 9, 2023, at Legacy Arena during the C.M. Newton Classic. This game showcased why Arizona sits atop college basketball rankings, particularly in a second half that left Alabama reeling.
With Alabama holding a slim one-possession lead at halftime, the game quickly shifted after the break. Just five minutes into the second half, Arizona unleashed a powerful offensive surge that left Alabama struggling to keep pace.
One of the key factors in Arizona’s victory was their outstanding rebounding performance. The Wildcats dominated the boards, attaining a staggering 22-3 edge in offensive rebounds and out-rebounding Alabama 52-32 overall. Coach Nate Oats emphasized the importance of rebounding prior to the game, stating, “if we can’t rebound, we’re not going to have much of a shot to win this thing.” His concerns proved valid as Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas, a towering 7-foot-2 center, led the charge, effectively controlling the paint and securing numerous second-chance points.
Alabama’s initial success was buoyed by their ability to hit three-pointers, which allowed them to maintain a 41-39 halftime lead. However, that momentum evaporated in the second half as the Crimson Tide’s long-range shooting faltered dramatically, hitting only one three-pointer early before a late shot came with six minutes remaining—long after Arizona had established a commanding lead.
Despite the defeat, Alabama’s defense shined momentarily, blocking an impressive nine shots in the first half. Player Sherrell stood out with a total of eight blocks, creating difficulties for Arizona near the rim. Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, these bright spots were overshadowed by the overall performance of the Wildcats, who consistently pressured Alabama and exploited their weaknesses.
As the season progresses, Alabama will need to address their rebounding deficiencies and find ways to maintain offensive momentum throughout the game. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Crimson Tide responds to this setback.
Next up, Alabama will face a critical stretch of games where they must regroup and refocus in order to stay competitive in the rankings. The fallout from this high-profile matchup will no doubt spark discussions as teams prepare for the upcoming challenges.
