Alabama Basketball Quickly Reaching the Point of No Return

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The 2010 basketball season could quickly be coming to a close if the men in crimson can't get things turned around in a hurry. After a 66-49 win against LSU in Baton Rouge, the Tide dropped the home opener in a closely contested game to the Vanderbilt Commodores, 65-64.

The second road trip was disastrous. Following a tightly contested first half, after a flagrant foul and ejection of Senario Hillman, the Tide "came undone" and lost last weekend to the Arkansas Razorbacks, 71-59.

The following Tuesday, again on the home court, the Tide fought valliantly against the highly ranked Volunteers of Tennessee but lost 63-56. The Alabama record now stands at 11-7 (1-3 in the SEC) for the early 2010 season.

Despite knowing that this would be a rebuilding year, Tide fans don't expect their team to be dismissed this early in the season. The Crimson Tide must hit their stride.

There are twelve games left on the schedule. Today, at 11:00 AM, the Tide will face the Mississippi State Bulldogs. MSU enters Coleman Coliseum with a 15-3 record, 3-0 in the SEC. The record is impressive, yet they have losses to Rider, Richmond, and Western Kentucky.

Mississippi State leads the Western Division of the SEC. The team has won 12 of their last 13 games. In addition, State has recently entered the AP top 25, landing at the No. 23 position in this week's poll. They opened the season at No. 18 but quickly dropped out of the rankings with the loss to Rider.

With a win, the Crimson Tide could get back on track to compete in the West. This is a must win for the Alabama basketball team. A loss would essentially take them out of contention for the division title. On the other hand, a win would boost the confidence of the young team and set the stage for success in future games.

Following today's contest, Alabama will face LSU at Coleman Coliseum, meet Auburn on the road, then return to Tuscaloosa and face the Florida Gators. Putting together a winning streak at this point in the season would infuse the much needed energy to finish the second half of the schedule with the hope of competing in the postseason.

This Alabama team has played very well against highly ranked opponents this season. In fact, the Crimson Tide should have beaten the Purdue Boilermakers, only to melt down in the last three minutes of the game. They played well against a stout Kansas State team and fought hard last Tuesday night against the Vols.

A win streak is possible, but it must start today. Seniors Anthony Brock and Mikhail Torrence must lead the way. JaMychal Green, although only a sophomore, must mature in these next four games and dominate the post. Senario Hillman must play at his full potential, a feat yet to be accomplished this season.

Hillman cannot continue to foul out of games if he wants to contribute his skills and give his team a chance to win. He is a junior, and he must be a leader on the court.

While defense has improved in the 2010 campaign, offense has yet to catch fire. The Crimson Tide must penetrate the opposition defense and take control of the game inside the paint.

The Alabama guards are not highly accurate beyond the arc. Dribble-penetration, driving the defender deep in the lane or all the way to the basket and completing the shot should be the objective. The inside game, 10-15 foot jumpers are the best chance for this team to score.

Let's help the Tide get on track with unconditional support from the fan base. Coleman Coliseum must become a hostile environment for the opposition. No free throw is shot uncontested by the fans, particularly the student section. The Crimson Chaos and pep band need to lead the way.

When the Alabama players enter center stage today, give them the loudest welcome of the season and encourage them to fight for a much needed victory. Alabama can beat this Mississippi State team. They are better than their record shows. The Tide is ready to take down the Bulldogs, Crimson style. Be there, and give your unwavering support.

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