By Jackson DiLullo
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Crimson Tide suffered a blowout loss at the hands of No. 1 Auburn, 100-81. The Tide fell to a lame 14-8 on the season and 4-5 in SEC-play.
It was a night to forget for the Tide despite herculean efforts from both Jaden Shackelford and Jahvon Quinerly. Shackelford led the team in scoring with 26 (6-15), and after a poor 1st half from the field, Quinerly managed to add 20 (7-21) of his own. The duo combined for 46 of Alabama’s 81 points.
Keon Ellis led the team in boards with 8 and J.D. Davison’s 4 assists tied Quinerly’s for the team high. Auburn led the Tide in steals (7-6) and blocks (10-5) while Alabama led in assists (13-12). Alabama also lost the rebounding battle 47-40 but led in offensive rebounds 13-11. They managed a blowout of their own, however: the Tide were called for a preposterous 30 fouls to Auburn’s 18.
Alabama entered halftime down 51-37 but came out of the locker room red-hot. With 16:00 to go in the 2nd, Quinerly’s 9 (4-4) points help close the gap to just four. The Tide couldn’t hold on and allowed a game-sealing 17-3 run in the middle of the 2nd half.
Some of Alabama’s biggest contributors found themselves in foul trouble early; their absence in crucial moments played a large role in the team’s loss. Juwan Gary, Charles Bediako, Keon Ellis and Quinerly racked up four fouls a piece. Darius Miles, Noah Gurley, and Shackelford had three each as well.
The Alabama Crimson Tide were ran off the court by No. 1 Auburn, and much like their victory against then-No. 4 Baylor, they don’t have the time to dwell on it. The Tide face another tough test against No. 5 Kentucky on Feb. 5; they will benefit from home-court advantage at Coleman Coliseum. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST.
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