Free-throws coming at an expense for Tide

Everyone who has played basketball from the time the goal had a "little tikes" label and the ball was rubber knows the importance of making your free throws. It's one of the most important aspects of the game, especially if you want to win. It's how we finished practice in church league, middle school and high school. Flat out, they are called free throws for a reason. However, they aren't exactly coming as easy as free may imply for the 2007-08 edition of the Alabama Crimson Tide. It was never more evident than during Alabama's second half collapse against the Florida Gators last Tuesday night.

Leading by seven at halftime, the Tide endured a 14-point swing before going down 90-83. The Tide missed seven free-throws in the second half and eleven in the game, shooting a dismal 57% for the game. That showing isn't exactly a rarity this season for Alabama, as they have only made 60% of their free throws this season. That's the best in the state...as far as the SEC goes, as Alabama is 11th and Auburn is 12th in the conference in free throw percentage.

Alabama is at least lucky to have Auburn in their conference, because nationally, its much worse.

The Crimson Tide is one of 328 teams in Division-I NCAA Men's Basketball. Out of all those teams, Alabama ranks 311th in the country in free throw percentage. Three Hundred Eleventh! There are more teams between Alabama and #1 Florida State than there were people in my graduating class from my high school, and I went to a 6A school! To put it short, Alabama is abysmal from the charity stripe.

In 16 games, Alabama has only had a better free-throw percentage than four teams all season. The Tide has shot below 50% three times this season, as well as only shooting 52% against Texas A&M and 53% against Georgetown, both losses. The Tide's season low is 38% against Southeastern Louisiana, a game the Tide had to go to overtime to win.

Said Richard Hendrix after the Florida game, "It's very frustrating. I've been in a slump all season long." The slump Hendrix is speaking of is following his 12-21 night from the line against Florida. "All in all, it was a rough night."

It has been a rough season for Alabama from the line, and for any hopes of a NCAA tournament berth, the percentage from the line must get better. The Tide will look to improve their free throw shooting on the road on Sunday, January 13th, 2007 against the Arkansas Razorbacks, who are shooting 68% from the free throw line this season themselves.