Alabama-LSU: The Tide Is Rising Up to Expectations

Alabama is getting on track. It is time, and they are in stride, eyes wide open. Anthony Grant is starting to have the type of influence he had hoped to have on these young men, though he wishes it had taken effect three games earlier. Now at 3-3 in SEC play, the Tide has a chance to compete for the title of SEC Western Division champion.

Just one week ago, after suffering a loss on the road to Arkansas, the men in crimson and white were close to elimination from contention after only three weeks into the regular season. Alabama can compete with anyone in the SEC.

The South Carolina victory against Kentucky should have a positive effect on all SEC teams, possibly with the exception of LSU. The leader in the West is Mississippi State. The Bulldogs suffered their first loss in Tuscaloosa last Saturday. Prior to Saturday, MSU had won 12 of their last 13 games.

Against LSU, JaMychal Green, Mikhail Torrence, Chris Hines, Charvez Davis, and Anthony Brock took the court following a mediocre effort in the first frame. They applied a relentless defensive effort that held the Bengal Tigers to a measly 13 points in the second half.

The smothering defense of the Crimson Tide forced LSU into 16 turnovers, and held the Tigers to only four assists. Charvez Davis provided the offensive fire power, leading the Tide with 15 points in 18 minutes of play.

Freshman Tony Mitchell (10 rebounds, 10 points) and Mikhail Torrence (10 assists, 10 points) achieved double-doubles in different ways. Green added eight points, Justin Knox totaled six, and Hillman (five points) and Hines (three points) contributed as well.

All LSU scorers were held under 10 points. Storm Warren led with nine points. Tasmin Mitchell had 10 rebounds on the night. The Tigers had 33 percent shooting in the first half, but only 22 percent in the second.

Alabama must remain focused and continue to increase their offensive production. The defensive effort continues to improve. The Tide will hit the road this weekend to take on the plainsmen at 3:00 PM. Auburn is 10-10 overall, 1-4 in SEC play.

The game is set to be televised on the SEC network. Roll Tide.