In a remarkable display of three-point shooting, Alabama's basketball team capitalized on Eastern Kentucky University's (EKU) weak three-point defense during their recent game. K.D. Johnson hit 3-3 from the three-point line, marking his best performance since a notable overtime game at Alabama last season. Alabama demonstrated a strong start, with an initial score of 15-7, as they made 6 of 8 shots from the floor and 3 of 4 from three-point range. The team continued their dominant performance, leading 29-13 with five different players contributing to the three-point tally. Rylan Griffen stood out by draining his third three-pointer, contributing to the Tide's 8 of 11 from deep, and leading the team with 14 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting. By halftime, Alabama had extended their lead to 61-32, approaching a team record for points set in 1971. However, the second half started roughly for Alabama, as they went scoreless initially, allowing EKU to go on an 8-0 run. Despite this, Alabama found their rhythm again and held a 78-56 lead, with EKU's Michael Moreno scoring 18 points and hitting 6 of 9 from three-point range. Coach Nate Oats had emphasized the need to exploit EKU's three-point defense, ranked 342nd in the country, which Alabama executed effectively.
Alabama 78, EKU 56 (11:50, 2H) UA finally found some offense this half, but Michael Moreno keeps making shots for the Colonels. He is up to 18 points, is 6-9 from 3.
Alabama 61, EKU 45 (15:59, 2H) Rough start after the half. The Tide has yet to score in the 2H; is 0-7 from the field, 0-5 from 3 this half.
Alabama 61, EKU 40 (18:10, 2H) Colonels open the 2H on an 8-0 run, and Nate Oats calls a timeout.
Alabama leads Eastern Kentucky, 61-32, at halftime. Team record for points is 123 in 1971 vs. USF.
Alabama 49, EKU 25 (3:42, 1H) Latrell Wrightsell knocks down the 10th triple of the day for Alabama. Rylan Griffen leads the team with 14 points on 4-of-5 from deep.
Alabama 41, EKU 18 (8:19, 1H) Rylan Griffen drains his third 3 of the day (3-4), and the Tide is now 8-11 from 3. Timeout, Colonels.
Alabama 29, EKU 13 (11:45 1H) Five different UA players have hit 3s in the first eight minutes, and the Tide is now 5-of-7 from deep.
Nate Oats said Alabama needed to take advantage of Eastern Kentucky’s three-point defense — ranked 342nd in the country — and they’ve done that so far. Tide opens 5-of-6 from deep and leads EKU, 25-11.
Alabama 15, EKU 7 (15:59, 1H) A much better shooting start for the Tide, which is 6-8 from the floor and 3-4 from three thus far.
Alabama will look to bounce back today against Eastern Kentucky. Live updates from Tuscaloosa: https://t.co/UF2g2Mf39V https://t.co/gnx9ulWmtd
K.D. Johnson is now 3-3 on 3-pointers tonight, giving him his best performance from deep since he went absolutely nuts in that overtime game at Alabama last season