Alabama basketball head into the weekend off an important 68-62 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The victory helps their NCAA Tournament resume with their fourth road win of the season and a road victory over a quadrant two opponent.

Following Tuesday night's win in Columbia, South Carolina, Crimson Tide Sports Network color analyst Bryan Passink provided his thoughts on the win and looked ahead to the final three games of the regular season.

The 62 points allowed at South Carolina was the second best mark for points allowed in a road game this season just behind the 60 points surrendered at Missouri on January 16. Passink credited Alabama's effort defensively throughout the game as a big reason for the win.

"I thought the way they came and defended a really good offensive team in South Carolina set the tone early, and they were able to sustain it. I thought it was Alabama's best defensive performance of the year. I thought they came out with a lot of focus and energy and toughness." Passink said.

For much of the season, Alabama has faced chronic issues with blowing leads and finishing games. Despite a strong start to the second half from South Carolina, the Crimson Tide outscored the Gamecocks 12-5 over the final four minutes of the game. The Crimson Tide Sports Network color analyst praised the grit and toughness of the Tide in the game's final 20 minutes.

"I loved the way in the second half Alabama was able to take a punch, South Carolina made a run and then Alabama answered it. That's not something we've seen this year when teams have come back and taken the lead, especially on the road." Passink said.

Passink later examined the injury status of junior guard Dazon Ingram, Avery Johnson utilizing a shorter playing rotation and the contributions of Tevin Mack and Herbert Jones in the win.

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