The game started so well for Alabama basketball on an early, Thanksgiving evening in the Bahamas. John Petty was on fire. Three minutes and four seconds into the game, the Crimson Tide led 14-4. Eleven of the Tide’s points had been scored by Petty. The junior wing was sensational in 33 minutes of play. He scored 34 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. He shot 50 percent for the game, including 6-for-9 from outside the arc. He made all six of his free throws and had three steals.
Petty needed some help. He did not get near enough.