Brandon Miller leads No. 2 Alabama to win after week of questions

Brandon Miller and No. 2 Alabama eked out one other shut win in every week that has proved difficult on and off the courtroom.

Miller scored 24 factors and Mark Sears made 7 of 8 free throws over the ultimate 1:04 to assist No. 2 Alabama safe an 86-83 victory over Arkansas on Saturday, following an extra time win at South Carolina on Wednesday.

Miller delivered his second straight large sport since police alleged in courtroom testimony that Miller introduced a gun to former teammate to Darius Miles, who’s charged with capital homicide in a deadly capturing.

The week’s particulars forged a distinct gentle on Miller’s common pregame introduction, which is a Tide staffer giving him a patdown. That, coach Nate Oats stated, is over.

“I think that’s something that’s been going on all year,” Oats stated to open his postgame information convention. “I don’t watch our introductions. I’m not involved with them. I’m drawing up plays at that time. Regardless, it’s not appropriate. It’s been addressed, and I can assure you it definitely will not happen again the remainder of this year.”

Miller obtained a hotter reception at residence than in South Carolina, the place he heard chants of “lock him up” and “guilty” a day after testimony concerning the gun, which was allegedly utilized by one other man within the deadly capturing of 23-year-old Jamea Harris on Jan. 15.

Miller hasn’t been accused of or charged with any crime — or missed any taking part in time. Miller’s legal professional stated Miller by no means dealt with the gun and that it had been left in his again seat. Police additionally stated one other Alabama participant, guard Jaden Bradley, was on the scene. He began Saturday’s sport and didn’t rating.

No gamers have been made obtainable and Oats declined to reply questions on the capturing case.

But there was lots on the courtroom to speak about.

Miller’s fellow freshman Nick Smith Jr. of Arkansas (19-10, 8-8 Southeastern Conference), one other potential NBA draft lottery decide who helped preserve the Razorbacks in it with a late 3-pointer, additionally scored 24 factors.

Miller helped key a 15-0 run for Alabama (25-4, 15-1) by scoring six straight factors and eight whole for a 56-46 lead halfway via the second half — simply the second lead of the sport for the Tide. Arkansas missed eight straight pictures and 4 consecutive free throws throughout that span after main a lot of the approach.

“We really struggled to start the second half,” Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman stated. “That was the difference in the game, was a stretch there to start the second half.”

The Razorbacks surged again with 20 factors over the ultimate 2:48, and Smith netted a 3 with 10 seconds left to make it 85-83. Rylan Griffen made the second of two free throws and Ricky Council IV’s potential tying 3 try bounced off the rim.

Davonte Davis had 21 factors for Arkansas, Council scored 20, and the remainder of the crew mixed for 18 factors.

Miller, who scored 41 towards South Carolina on Wednesday, missed his first 5 3-point makes an attempt whereas the crew obtained off to a 1-for-20 begin. He lastly hit one with three minutes left.

Oats stated Miller would be the most mentally powerful participant he has ever coached.

He stated his star freshman “completely understands that the situation is tragic, and he takes it very seriously,” then added: “He’s got a special way about getting locked in to where he’s currently at, whether it’s practice or games or whatever. He’s been able to do that this week.”

Jahvon Quinerly had 16 factors and 7 assists for the Tide.

“We don’t win the game if he doesn’t play the way he does in the second half,” Oats stated. “We don’t have a chance.”

Noah Clowney produced 10 factors and 13 rebounds.

Arkansas held Alabama to solely three 3s, however the Tide scored 52 factors within the paint.

“You’re not going to take away both,” Musselman stated. “You’re not going to do it. That’s why they’re ranked second in the country.”

The Razorbacks used a 9-0 run adopted by Smith’s baseline jumper with 6 seconds left to take a 37-28 halftime lead. It was the Tide’s lowest scoring first half since trailing No. 1 Houston 31-27 on Dec. 10 earlier than rallying to win.

BIG PICTURE

Arkansas: Once a prime 10 crew, the Razorbacks couldn’t pull off a 3rd straight win. Arkansas saved it a lot nearer than the sooner 84-69 Alabama win when Smith was out with a knee damage.

Alabama: Dominated the boards within the second half 26-14 after each groups collected 22 rebounds within the first. Made 3 of twenty-two 3-pointers (14%).

NBA INTEREST

A complete of 34 representatives from 18 NBA groups have been issued credentials for the showdown between Miller and Smith, who’re arguably the 2 prime prospects from the school ranks.

UP NEXT

Arkansas: Visits No. 11 Tennessee on Tuesday evening.

Alabama: Hosts in-state rival Auburn on Wednesday evening.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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