The University of Alabama men’s basketball team watched Northeastern University score the first eight points of the game and never got within a single position again as the Huskies toyed with UA en route to a 68-52 victory in the opening round of the Charleston Classic.
Alabama looked sluggish on both ends of the floor. The Huskies shot 52 percent from the floor while Alabama made just 19 of 51 shots from the floor. That statistic was doubly concerning as the Crimson Tide made just three of its 19 3-point attempts, yet got just two points from the combined efforts of its four inside players: Donta Hall, Alex Reese, Galin Smith (who scored one field goal) and Daniel Giddens. Hall had come in averaging 16 points per game but was shut out in the game, attempting just one shot.
“I thought we had some decent looks,” Alabama coach Avery Johnson said. “They kept us off-balance. We’re not going to win many games when we have one guy (John Petty) in double figures.
“Northeastern made some shots. Our defense wasn’t very good sometimes and when it was decent, they got some lucky bounces. But that’s what happens when you are the more aggressive team. So hats off to them, and we’ve got to get back to work.”
Petty was the sole statistical standout for Alabama with 17 points and five rebounds.
Alabama got no closer than seven points (42-35) in the second half.
Vasa Pusica, a preseason All-CAA choice, scored 20 points and had five assists to lead Northeastern (2-1.)
The Crimson Tide (2-1) will face Ball State in a consolation bracket game Friday afternoon.
