In a city known for explosive takeoffs, Alabama basketball followed the theme on Saturday. Fully playing like a team designed through the Nate Oats system of play, the Tide beat a good Belmont team, 92-72.
At 5-5 on the season going into Saturday’s game, the Crimson Tide needed a win. Getting one against a probable NCAA Tournament team was a boost. If Richmond can be handled after Christmas, 7-5 heading into SEC play is respectable.
Nate Oats has not had much luck in his first season in Tuscaloosa. Losing two guys to season-ending injuries and failing to obtain an NCAA waiver allowing transfer Jahvon Quinerly to play this season, can only be called bad luck.