Alabama Holds Off Arkansas Without Green

Alabama has really rallied after its midseason suspensions, knocking off Arkansas last night by a score of 79-69. It was the Crimson Tide's second straight win without its top scorers and rebounders JaMychal Green, who is reinstated but not yet playing again, and Tony Mitchell, who is gone for the season.

The team also had to deal with Trevor Lacey going out early with a leg injury, but Rodney Cooper came off the bench to lead the team with 17 points. Andrew Steele was next on the list with 15 points, while Trevor Releford and Nick Jacobs had 14 points apiece. It was an efficient night on the offensive end for Alabama, as it shot over 50% from the field and from three.

Arkansas started off well, even taking a 33-21 lead at one point. B.J. Young led all scorers with 21 points, and three other Razorbacks reached double digits as well. The Hogs were down just four at halftime, but the Tide started the second half on a 9-0 run. Bama would have a relatively comfortable lead the rest of the way. It was only the second home loss for Arkansas all season, though it was their second in a row.

Alabama is looking comfortably in the field of 68 in the latest Bubble Watch edition, no doubt buoyed by the past two shorthanded wins. Things can change rapidly though, so picking up a win this weekend over Mississippi State would keep them in while possibly knocking MSU out. It's a cutthroat world on the bubble.