UPDATE: In a stunning matchup, No. 12 Alabama fell to No. 1 Arizona 96-75 during the C.M. Newton Classic on December 9, 2023, at Legacy Arena. After a tight first half, Alabama struggled to keep pace in the second, allowing Arizona to showcase their dominance as the top-ranked team in the nation.
Alabama held a narrow 41-39 lead at halftime, but the tide turned just minutes into the second half. Arizona surged ahead, capitalizing on their rebounding advantage, which ultimately led to the decisive victory. The Wildcats outclassed the Crimson Tide with a staggering 22-3 edge in offensive rebounds, contributing significantly to their overall 52-32 rebounding lead.
“We challenged our guys in one key area — rebounding,” said Alabama head coach Oats. “If we can’t rebound, we’re not going to have much of a shot to win this thing.” His concerns proved valid as Alabama began to falter once they lost the rebounding battle.
The standout player for Arizona was Motiejus Krivas, the towering 7-foot-2 center who played a pivotal role in dominating the glass. His efforts not only limited Alabama’s second-chance opportunities but also fueled Arizona’s offensive onslaught.
Despite their strong start, Alabama’s shooting woes surfaced in the second half. After landing three-pointers effectively in the first half, the Crimson Tide managed to hit only two triples after halftime, severely hindering their chances of staying competitive.
Alabama’s defense showed moments of brilliance, particularly in shot-blocking, with a total of nine blocks in the first half alone. However, these defensive efforts were overshadowed by Arizona’s relentless attack, leaving Alabama struggling to recover.
As the game progressed, it became clear that Arizona’s depth and experience would prove too much for Alabama. With this loss, the Crimson Tide must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge in the season.
Fans and analysts will be closely watching how Alabama responds to this setback in the coming days, as they look to regain their footing and build momentum moving forward. This game served as a harsh reminder of the competition level they must maintain to compete with the nation’s elite.
Stay tuned for further updates on Alabama basketball as they navigate their upcoming schedule.
