Strong 2nd Half Helps Alabama Basketball Beat Missouri 62-49

The Alabama men's basketball team desperately needed to get back into the win collumn, and a team that has only 7 wins was the perfect opponent to end a losing streak to.  Missouri has struggled in Kim Anderson's first season as head coach, replacing the embattled Frank Haith. The Tigers showed their mettle early, but fell victim to a Bama team that ground the clock down throughout the second half.  In the end, the Tide were victorious by a score of 62-49.  Anthony Grant's squad is now 14-8 on the season and 4-5 in SEC play.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair for the most part.  Neither team was impressive offensively, though Alabama did find an early rhythm from beyond the arc that made up for their struggles in the paint.  By halftime, the Tide led 26-24 with their lead scorer having just six points (Rodney Cooper).  In the second half, Alabama proved to be much more aggressive on offense.  Levi Randolph scored 15 points in the second half, and Retin Obasohan, filling in for the injured Ricky Tarrant, had 12 points and 8 rebounds.  Free throws also helped the Tide as they made 18 of 24 in the second half, most coming towards the end when Missouri was forced to foul.  While they Tide never "took over" the game, they grew their lead consistently and forced Missouri to take chances late.

Randolph's 20 points marked the third time this season he's reached that number.  Joining Randolph and Obasohan in double figures was Shannon Hale, who added 10 points.  Grant praised the effort defensively of his team, especially Obasohan who had four steal and was "disruptive" according to his coach.  Grant also singled out Hale as playing with great energy in the game.

Alabama goes on the road for their next two games, first at LSU on Saturday and then at Mississippi State next Tuesday.  The Tide returns to Coleman Coliseum on Valentine's Day to host Vanderbilt.