No. 8 Alabama overcomes 15-point deficit to upset No. 1 Houston

Backstory

The Crimson Tide a year ago defeated Houston 83-82 in a grueling matchup and were able to do so again, in a comeback victory Saturday, despite being down 15 points in the second half. Alabama scored 52 points in 17 minutes to secure the victory despite leading scorer Brandon Miller not making a field goal all night. However, it was Alabama’s other set of freshmen in Noah Clowney and Jaden Bradley that came up big for the Tide, combining for 28 points and 14 rebounds.

Who stepped up for the Crimson Tide?

First and foremost this was an incredible performance by Alabama. Playing on the road, facing a big deficit in the second half, against a great defensive team. The Tide was getting nothing from its star freshman Brandon Miller but Nate Oats went with his youngsters and stayed with them. They showed great fight and immense talent. And it’s the second time they’ve beaten a No. 1 team this season. I guess Alabama is a basketball school now. — Davis

What we learned about Houston

As for Houston, I would say they’ve been exposed, but their best win was at Oregon, which has been banged up this season. The Cougars also had a couple of close wins. This is a great defensive and rebounding team but offensively they tend to go into droughts. Marcus Sasser is supposed to be an All-American but he was a no-show today. He shot 2-of-11. Kelvin Sampson is a great coach and will figure this out, but the game is a lot easier when you make shots.

This also makes Houston’s game at Virginia next Saturday that much bigger. The Cougs dismantled Virginia at home last season so winning in Charlottesville won’t be easy. It’s going to be a rough week of practice, that I can tell you. — Davis

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