Nate Oats remains undefeated against his apprentices.
Former Alabama assistants are now 0-4 against Oats.
The latest win against a former assistant happened Wednesday. Bryan Hodgson, who lost to Oats twice at Arkansas State, has now lost to him at South Florida as well.
No. 16 Alabama defeated the Bulls 104-93 at Coleman Coliseum in what can best be described as a game in the second half that felt like it was an old car sputtering into the driveway.
Here are takeaways from the game between the Crimson Tide (8-3) and South Florida (6-5).
Houston Mallette provides first-half spark
Houston Mallette looked eager to address Alabama’s rebounding struggles early in the game.
Mallette alone grabbed seven rebounds before halftime.
Each one was needed as Alabama found itself in a close game before halftime. The Crimson Tide couldn’t find a way to pull much away, despite having a 32-22 lead on the glass at the break. USF hit six triples before halftime to stay within striking distance.
But Mallette went to work beyond the arc, too. He hit three triples as he tallied 13 points before halftime.
Mallette provided the biggest spark for the Crimson Tide as it looked to gain its footing early against South Florida. His efforts led the way in Alabama eventually grabbing a 46-39 halftime lead. Mallette scored five of Alabama’s points in a 7-1 run to end the first half.
Mallette didn’t do much in the second half, but his first-half performance was important considering Alabama’s stars took some time to get rolling.
Labaron Philon, Aden Holloway take over in key stretch
Alabama let South Florida stay in the game a few minutes into the second half. Then Philon and Holloway started to cook.
About four minutes into the second half, Alabama held a six-point lead. Not even four minutes later, Alabama possessed a 72-56 lead.
Philon and Holloway each hit two triples over that span. They also helped each other succeed. On Philon’s second 3-pointer, he shouted Holloway’s name. So, Holloway fed Philon, then Philon drained a triple.
The duo combined for 18 points over about 3:30.
That stretch made the difference in the game. South Florida never recovered.
Philon finished the game with 29 points. Holloway tallied 24. They combined for seven triples and 10 assists.
Alabama still has work to do on the glass
Rebounds plagued Alabama in its most recent game against Arizona this past Saturday. It’s been a recurring problem in games against top teams.
South Florida isn’t one of those teams, and yet, Alabama still didn’t win the battle on the glass. The Bulls outrebounded Alabama 46-45.
South Florida outrebounded the Crimson Tide 24-13 after hal