Following the Cats’ defeat, Alabama basketball coach resigned

The Alabama Crimson Tide had a sad Saturday, and the loss had an effect on the SEC standings, national rankings, and NCAA Tournament seeding.

Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats referred to the Tide’s defensive performance following the defeat to Kentucky as “awful”. ‘Ugly’ is another term that may be used to describe Bama’s performance. Although both terms relate to the loss, a more comprehensive analysis is warranted. Despite their poor performance, the Crimson Tide is a good squad. Kentucky has greatly improved as a defensive team and is a tremendous offensive one. It was the Cats’ finest performance of the year. Above all, it was only one game. There’s still a ton of basketball left.

The Crimson Tide’s national reputation was not significantly damaged by the defeat. The NCAA NET rankings released on Sunday morning saw the Crimson Tide fall from No. 5 to No. 6. The Crimson Tide is ranked No. 7 in Ken Pomeroy’s reputable team rankings, one position below the Tennessee Vols and two below Auburn.

The fact that Pomeroy’s crucial Adjusted Defensive Efficiency numbers elevated the Crimson Tide from a dismal No. 70 to No. 97 is even more worrisome for Alabama supporters. To win any titles this season, Alabama will have to turn that statistic around.

It looks like the Tide will not be the #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament in Lexington. However, it is still possible to reach a 3- or 4-seed in the upcoming three weeks.