There are no must-win games in November but Alabama basketball came close to having one against Ball State. The Crimson Tide was expected to dispense with Northeastern, allowing it to move on to Virginia Tech and potentially another top team. Expectations had no relation to reality. A listless Alabama basketball team was rolled over by good but not great Northeastern team, sending the Tide to the Charleston Classic loser’s bracket.
A loss on Friday to Ball State would have gone beyond the already missed chances to enhance the Tide SOS. It would have said the Crimson Tide was on track for a disappointing season.