BamaCentral Courtside: Clemson 85, Alabama 77

Final thoughts from Coleman Coliseum after Alabama lost to Clemson in the ACC/SEC Challenge.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama guard Mark Sears kept it real simple. If the Crimson Tide doesn't get the defense fixed, it will be a long season. 

Defense was once again a problem for No. 23 Alabama in its 85-77 loss to Clemson inside Coleman Coliseum Tuesday night as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge, allowing the Tigers to score almost 1.5 points per possession in the second half. 

"No matter how good on offense we are, if we don't get our defense fixed, we can't win games," Sears said. 

Clemson had three players (PJ Hall, Joseph Girard III and Chase Hunter) finish with at least 15 points and all three shot over 50 percent from the floor.

After the game, Alabama head coach Nate Oats said his team will dedicate about 90 percent of their practice time to defense for however long it takes to show more improvement. 

Even though Alabama has been one of the best offensive teams in the country this season, there were also issue on that side of the ball against the Tigers. The Crimson Tide struggled in the paint, finishing 10-of-24 around the rim and shot just 34 percent from the floor overall. 

Sears, Aaron Estrada and Grant Nelson all finished in double-digit scoring for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama falls to 5-2 with the loss. The Crimson Tide will host former assistant Bryan Hodgson Monday night at 7 p.m. when the Arkansas State Red Wolves come to Tuscaloosa. 

Watch the video above as Blake Byler, Austin Hannon and Katie Windham share their final thoughts and takeaways from Coleman Coliseum. 

See also:

Alabama Basketball’s Home Winning Streak Snapped in 85-77 Loss to Clemson