Crimson Tide Eliminated in Second Round of SEC Tournament

Sixth-seeded Alabama held a 15-point lead over eleventh-seeded Vanderbilt with 15 minutes remaining in their SEC Tournament second-round matchup, however, the Crimson Tide was unable to close out the Commodores and were eliminated from the SEC Tournament by a final score of 82-76.

"We gave up a 15-point lead, and that's a tough way to lose to go out after some of the wins we've had this year and know what we're capable of doing. We lost three in a row now. We have to regroup and get ready for the NCAA Tournament,” said head coach Nate Oats.

For the fifth consecutive game the Crimson Tide could not overcome its turnover problems. Alabama turned it over 18 games in the game, leading to 16 Commodores points.

In addition to the turnovers, the Tide was plagued by foul trouble. Jaden Shackelford, Bama's leading scorer, and Jahvon Quinerly both fouled out for Alabama while Keon Ellis had four fouls to limit Oats' personnel options.

Vanderbilt's Scotty Pippen Jr. led the 'Dores with 26 points, scoring 15 from the free throw line, and Myles Stute chipped in with 18, making six 3-point shots.

The Crimson Tide now turns its attention to the NCAA Tournament. Selection Sunday comes this weekend and Alabama is expecting to draw anywhere between a 5-8 seed.