What we learned as Alabama basketball defeats Vanderbilt 74-72

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter AJ Holliday

Alabama basketball traveled to Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores Tuesday night, the Crimson Tide survived and came out with the win, 74-72. Bama improves to 18-10, 8-7 SEC, while the Commodores fall to 14-13, 6-9 SEC.

Jahvon Quinerly led the team in scoring with 19 points while shooting 50% from the field, including a team best 3-for-3 from the 3-point line. Noah Gurley was second with 11 points, JD Davison and Keon Ellis each contributed 10 points.

The Crimson Tide trailed at halftime 37-32, but a big second half from Quinerly led the team to the win. It was another rough shooting night for Bama as the Tide shot 38% from the field and 29% from beyond-the-arch. However, Alabama shot a season best 88% from the free-throw line and made them when they needed them most.

Here’s what we learned:

Quinerly showed a ton of maturity

Due to multiple line-up changes this season, Quinerly found himself on the bench to start the game. That didn’t seem to phase him though as he led the team in scoring and scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half. He exemplified great leadership and maturity by letting his play on the court do all the talking.

Too many fouls late 

Alabama almost lost the game late due to several fouls. Vanderbilt shot 16 free-throws in the last four minutes of the game to trim the lead to one. Most of those free-throws were taken by Scotty Pippen Jr., the leading scorer in the SEC.

It was a gritty win for the Tide

It was a poor shooting night for both teams as neither shot over 40% from the field overall. Both teams also had over 15 turnovers, but it was a great road win for the Tide versus a team fighting to get into the NCAA Tournament.

What’s next

Alabama returns home to face the South Carolina Gamecocks. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. on SEC Network.