When Offense was Hard to Come By, Alabama Relied On its Young Star and Proven Veteran

Brandon Miller responded hugely after going scoreless in his first NCAA Tournament game, but Jahvon Quinerly adds another notch to his postseason belt.

© Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.— It's become common practice that Brandon Miller and Jahvon Quinerly shoulder the offensive load for Alabama basketball.

It was an overall offensive struggle for both teams as the Crimson Tide and Maryland shot under 40 percent from the field in a 73-51 Alabama victory. Miller and Quinerly combined for 41 points in one of the better performances by the Alabama duo.

Within the performance, however, was a massive response for Miller, who went scoreless in his first NCAA Tournament game against Texas A&M-CC, then came out and scored 19 points with seven rebounds against the Terrapins.

"It felt great just being out there," Miller said. "It's just a blessing just being out there. I think growing up as a kid -- for all kids, it's a dream for them. To be here is just a blessing to be here to play and compete with my team."

Miller's big response can be shown in one play: on defense, he gets a clean block, sprints down to the offensive end, catches the ball behind the 3-point line, and lets it fly.

That 3-pointer served as a shining moment for the star freshman.

"I notice Jahmir Young driving left. I knew exactly what he was going to do from the film," Miller said as he reflects on the play. "I met it at the backboard, and we like to push and run. I feel like I just found the space to get a 3-pointer off."

More often than not, players participating in their first NCAA Tournament fall victim to the big stage, but not Miller. He rose to the occasion in the Round of 32, and Noah Gurley, who has seen a lot of basketball in his day, had a front-row seat.

"I saw him lose himself in the game," Gurley said. "I saw him making the right plays, dishing to our teammates when they were open. I just saw him let the game come to him."

Miller wasn't the only player to have a big game: Quinerly scored a game-high 22 points and provided perimeter shooting at a time the 3-pointers weren't falling. Unlike Miller, the stage is nothing new to the affectionately-called "JQ."

"Honestly, I think it's JQ being JQ," Miller said. "It's nothing different from him."

Gurley shares the same sentiments as Miller, referring to how Quinerly's postseason persona started when he won the SEC Tournament MVP two years ago.

"He's cooking every day in practice," Gurley said. "He's always gonna do his thing in the postseason."

Miller is the young talent who will rise to the occasion, but Quinerly is the proven veteran who shines brightest on the biggest stage. That's a heck of a 1-2 punch to take to the Sweet 16.

See also: No. 1 Alabama Advances to Sweet 16 for Second Time in Three Years with Gritty Win Over No. 8 Maryland

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