Oats Opines on Alabama’s First Loss

No. 17 Alabama was victimized by poor defense and 3-point shooting by... No. 17 Alavama. Ohio State point guard Bruce Thornton scored a career best 29 points to lead the unraked Buckeyes over the Tide 92-81. Alabama came in averaging 102 points per game.

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Here's what Alabama coach Nate Oats said following the loss:

Opening Statement

"Ohio State's tough. They're good. They exposed our defense. This game was not a good defensive game for us. They played us tough. Thornton had his way with us.

"We've got some work to do on the defensive end. We've got too many guys worried about their offense.

On the defense

"One guy locked in being a great defender is Rylan Griffen. We were better defensively with him on the floor tonight.

"Grant Nelson didn't have a rebound first half but rebounds great second half. We need 40 minutes out of him not just 20.

"When you get locked in you're locked in and concerned with the right stuff."

On Ohio State

"They've got a really good coaching staff. Teams don't want to give up three's to us.

"I'd like our guys to get worried about how we're going to guard somebody.

"We came out on fire second half but the them is we weren't getting any stops."

Alabama [4-1] was led in scoring by Grant Nelson with 20 points. Aaron Estrada added 19 and Mark Sears had 17.

The Tide will face the loser of the Santa Clara/Oregon game Saturday afternoon during the Iron Bowl with a 2 p.m. CT game that you can hear on Alt 101.7 and its app.

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