What Both Coaches Said About Basketball Exhibition

After leading by 19 in the first half yet losing by eight points at Wake Forest, Alabama coach Nate Oats was understandably upset about how things unfolded in Sunday's charity exhibition game. And, with only eight scholarship players available, Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes was just as happy as Oats was unhappy. Here's a  look at what each had to say following the contest.

Get our free mobile app

Nate Oats, Alabama

"I want to thank Coach Forbes in partnering with us for this meaningful event and trying to raise money for a good cause [stroke research].

"In regards to the game, I am disappointed with today’s result and how complacent we got after leading by 19 points towards the end of the first half. We have a lot to clean up before next week’s season opener so we will get back in the gym and gear up for Morehead State.”

Steve Forbes, Wake Forest 

"It was a tale of two halves. It wasn't really complicated. At halftime, it was real simple. 'Hey, listen, we have to quit giving up offensive rebounds, quit turning it over and we have to guard the ball a little bit better. It's not always hieroglyphics.

"Our strength coach [Mike Starke] said that they are the most mature group of players we've ever had, when it comes to talking through their issues and what they needed to fix before we even came in there at halftime. I think that's obviously a credit to them.

"We didn't have a lot of depth. They pressed us and tried to make it hard on us. Our guards did a fabulous job of taking care of the ball and getting us on offense... I mean what a day they had.

"We did a much better job in the ball-screen defense in the second half in the drop, forcing them to take tough twos and we got the rebound. I was really pleased with the way we defended in the second half and I thought it was important because it's away from the bench too, and that shows maturity."

Oats and the Tide will now prepare to open the season Monday, Nov. 6 at home at 7 p.m. against Morehead State. You can hear that game on 1230 AM WTBC or the app.

."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":769,"3":{"1":0},"11":3,"12":0}">