Alabama center Moussa Gueye (14) shoots over Kentucky forward Nerlens Noel (3) during the first half. (AP photo by Michelle Lepianka Carter of The Tuscaloosa News)
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — The game is finished, the fans have gone home, and the coaches and players from both schools are done with their news conferences. We’re still here in the Coleman Coliseum media room, and here are some final thoughts about Alabama’s 59-55 win over Kentucky before I head home:
–Trevor Lacey went down with about four minutes to go, and while he appeared to be in great pain, it wasn’t serious. Alabama coach Anthony Grant said Lacey had cramps in both legs. With about two minutes to go, I saw Lacey running in the hall next to where we sit in the media section during the games.
–I know we poke a little fun from time to time over 7-foot-0 junior Moussa Gueye not scoring, but he certainly deserves credit for how hard he plays, especially in this one.
Facing maybe the best post player in the league, Kentucky 6-10 freshman Nerlens Noel, Gueye managed four points, five rebounds and five blocked shots in 18 minutes of play. Noel had eight points, 13 rebounds and seven blocked shots — a little below his scoring average, and a little higher in rebounds and blocks. But Gueye proved himself an asset Tuesday night.
–Senior guard Andrew Steele had only four points and two rebounds, but he has a knack for making big plays, which we wrote about more than week ago after Alabama beat Tennessee. Expect to read the same story online from several of my colleagues who have noticed how important Steele is to the team.
–Trevor Releford has done awfully well in not forcing his shot so much. He is taking what the defense gives him, and they seem to lose track of him at critical times. He finished with 13 points and made 4 of 10 from the field.
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