Alabama basketball wrapped up a historic 2024 with one more dub before conference play.
Now 0-4 in the series with a 105-82 loss to Alabama (11-2), South Dakota State couldn’t get the job done in Coleman Coliseum.
If the Jackrabbits (9-6) had a chance, it likely would’ve been Sunday, as the No. 6 Crimson Tide found itself understaffed.
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Joining senior guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. on the injured reserve for SD State were freshman Derrion Reid and Pepperdine transfer Houston Mallette (illness).
Despite the circumstances, the Crimson Tide’s last performance of the year in the Plaid Palace let UA fans breathe before conference play starts on Jan. 4 against Oklahoma.
Alabama basketball still shoddy from the arc against South Dakota State
Alabama looked a little different from the arc to make the Final Four compared to this season, shooting 31.3% before the Jackrabbits.
In the first halves of UA’s last three games, the Crimson Tide has gone 2-for-17, 5-for-18 and 3-for-16.
The first period against SD State saw Aden Holloway − top scorer with 26 points − and Mark Sears sink four treys each as UA shot 41.1% (12-for-24), although production dropped off as the team went 7-for-25 to finish.
On Nov. 27 against Rutgers, Alabama shot 40% (10-for-25), its best from the arc since the season opener.
Crimson Tide gets a grip on early turnover trouble
Through 12 games, Alabama is averaging 13.3 turnovers, turning the ball over about 10.6 times in the first half of its last six contests.
Alabama notched one turnover in second halves against North Dakota and Kent State. It looked like UA could pull off the feat against SD State, losing possession just once to the Jackrabbits with nine minutes to halftime.
Alabama went into the locker room with a 57-33 lead and just three turnovers.
Needing more Mo Dioubate before SEC play
Meanwhile, turnovers were piling up for the Jackrabbits. UA’s defense forced nine in the first half, driven by five steals.
Sophomore Mouhamed Dioubate led the stat category for Alabama with two, complementing his first 20 minutes nicely with another team-high six rebounds.
Dioubate is an Energizer Bunny off the bench, but his efficiency around the glass leaves room to argue that he could be a starter at some point during SEC play.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama basketball hangs hundred on South Dakota State to wrap 2024
