No. 7 Alabama narrowly avoided a major upset on Saturday, holding off South Carolina to secure a 77-75 victory. The Crimson Tide managed to maintain their lead throughout the game, but struggled against a resilient South Carolina team that kept fighting back.
Alabama started strong, with Keon Ellis scoring a career-high 26 points to lead his team. Jahvon Quinerly also contributed 19 points, helping the Crimson Tide maintain their lead despite South Carolina’s efforts to close the gap. But the Gamecocks put up a strong fight, with AJ Lawson leading the charge with 28 points.
The game came down to the wire, with South Carolina having a chance to tie or win in the final seconds. But Alabama’s defense held strong, preventing the Gamecocks from pulling off the upset. The victory was crucial for the Crimson Tide, as they look to stay in contention for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
Despite the close call, Alabama coach Nate Oats was pleased with his team’s performance. He praised their ability to withstand South Carolina’s pressure and come out with the win. Oats also acknowledged the importance of learning from close games like this one, as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
The win improves Alabama’s record to 18-5 overall and 13-1 in conference play. With just a few games left in the regular season, the Crimson Tide will be looking to finish strong and secure a high seed in the NCAA tournament. Their victory over South Carolina serves as a reminder of the competitiveness of college basketball and the importance of every game as they strive for success.
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