AUSTIN, Texas — In an impressive display, Jarin Stevenson contributed 22 points, and the second-ranked Alabama team showcased their shooting prowess by dominating the first half, leading to a convincing 103-80 victory against Texas on Tuesday night.
This win sets the stage for a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday against their archrival, the top-ranked Auburn, who also secured a win against Vanderbilt earlier that evening. The outcome of this clash will determine which team takes the lead in the Southeastern Conference standings.
Alabama’s offense was on fire, shooting an impressive 65% in the first half, effectively taking command of the game. They also nailed several crucial 3-pointers in the second half, extinguishing any chances the Longhorns had for a comeback. Altogether, Alabama sank 17 shots from beyond the arc during the match.
On the flip side, Texas was led by freshman Tre Johnson, who scored 24 points. The Longhorns, now with a record of 15-10 and 4-8 in conference play, have encountered difficulties with their NCAA Tournament prospects, having lost four out of their last five games. Notably, three of their four home defeats in SEC play have come against teams currently ranked in the top two.
Although Alabama’s fast-paced gameplay resulted in some turnovers and chaotic moments, they managed to maintain a lead of five points before a strong finish to the half, which saw them outscore Texas 14-3.
Key Insights: Alabama achieved the remarkable feat of scoring over 100 points for the 17th time this season. Mouhamed Dioubate played a pivotal role in reaching that benchmark, converting a 3-pointer that brought the score to 99, followed by two free throws late in the game.
For Texas, the game was fraught with challenges, particularly with the departure of their leading rebounder, Arthur Kaluma, due to a left knee issue in the first half. Additionally, Devon Pryor, a valuable forward, was unable to play because of a calf injury.
Turning Points: Alabama’s closing surge at the end of the first half featured three consecutive 3-pointers from Aden Holloway, Grant Nelson, and Chris Youngblood.
Stat Highlights: Alabama excelled at the free-throw line, converting 18 of 20 attempts, and held a significant advantage in rebounding, outpacing Texas 41-25.
Looking ahead, Alabama prepares for their crucial meeting with No. 1 Auburn on Saturday, while Texas will host No. 15 Kentucky on the same day.
