The Arizona Wildcats solidified their status as the top team in college basketball with a commanding 96-75 victory over the No. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide on March 15, 2024, at Legacy Arena. Despite holding a narrow 41-39 lead at halftime, Alabama struggled to maintain momentum in the second half as Arizona showcased its superior rebounding and offensive skills.
Alabama entered the game focused on rebounding, a critical area highlighted by head coach Nate Oats. Oats emphasized the importance of matching Arizona’s physicality on the boards, stating, “If we can’t rebound, we’re not going to have much of a shot to win this thing.” Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, Arizona took control of the rebounding battle, finishing with a significant 52-32 advantage overall and a dominant 22-3 lead in offensive rebounds.
The turning point came shortly after halftime when Arizona, led by 7-foot-2 center Motiejus Krivas, began to pull away. Krivas played a pivotal role in Arizona’s offensive efforts, contributing to their second-chance points and effectively stifling Alabama’s attempts to respond. Once Alabama fell behind in the rebounding department, the game quickly slipped from their grasp.
While Alabama’s first-half performance was bolstered by effective three-point shooting, they struggled to find the basket in the second half. The Crimson Tide managed only two successful three-pointers in the final 20 minutes, one of which came late in the game when the outcome was already determined. This inability to score from beyond the arc limited Alabama’s offensive options as Arizona extended its lead.
Defensively, Alabama had its moments, particularly in the first half, where the team recorded nine blocked shots. Sherrell, in particular, was a standout, finishing the game with eight blocks. Despite these defensive highlights, Alabama was unable to translate them into offensive opportunities, ultimately leading to their defeat.
The match was part of the annual C.M. Newton Classic, a tournament that showcases top college basketball talent. Arizona’s victory not only reinforces their position as the number one team in the country but also serves as a reminder of the challenges teams face in competing against elite programs.
As the season progresses, Alabama will need to address its rebounding deficiencies and find a way to maintain offensive consistency if it hopes to compete effectively against top-tier teams. The loss serves as a critical learning moment as they prepare for upcoming challenges in their schedule.
