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Alabama Defense Lacks 40 Minutes of Intensity
15 Feb
Summary
- Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats demands 40 minutes of defensive focus.
- Meechie Johnson scored 24 points in the second half against Alabama.
- Alabama's defense faltered, allowing opponents to rally after gaining leads.
Alabama's head coach, Nate Oats, voiced concerns about his team's defensive performance following their 89-75 win against South Carolina on February 15, 2026. While the team achieved a three-game winning streak, Oats stressed that consistent 40-minute defensive focus remains the next critical step for the Crimson Tide.
The game highlighted defensive lapses, particularly in the second half. Meechie Johnson, who had only two points at halftime, exploded for 24 points after the break, a performance Oats attributed to a lack of defensive focus from multiple players.
This inconsistency mirrors previous games where Alabama has allowed opponents to close significant leads. Oats believes his team possesses offensive firepower and defensive capability but struggles to maintain intensity once ahead, costing them wins and AP Top 25 ranking.
The Crimson Tide will have another opportunity to demonstrate improved defensive intensity on February 18, 2026, when they host No. 21 Arkansas.
