MEN WIN THREE OF FOUR

The University of Alabama. Men's 'chair Basketball Team took three out of four this past weekend at the UA Recreation Center to improve it's overall record to 22-11 and 9-7 in divisional play.

Most importantly the Crimson Tide wiped away any ideas of luck or fluke with a seasonal second, and decisive win against UTA (University of Texas Arlington), 68-54.

"UTA has broken our hearts from day one," added head coach, Miles Thompson. "Now we've beaten them two out our last three. And that's important as we edge closer and closer to March and our national championship tournament."

Jared Arambula lead all scorers with 31 points. Arambula also teamed with Scott Douglas as both grabbed double-digit rebounds against the over-sized Mavericks.

Later that evening the rollin' tide took on Ediniboro of Penn' in a rematch of a heartbreaking defeat a week back in Edinboro where the home team won by two points.

This time the tide hit early and often as Freshmen Ryan Hynes converted 10 of the teams first 18 points. Scott Douglas hit a couple deep threes and at half the tide led 39-29.

"Edinboro is a grinder team capable of overcoming adversity. Ten points wasn't near enough," said Thompson.

Also factor in that starters Baugh, Hynes and Arambula played late into the game with four fouls and the second half remained a battle.

But with only five first half points, sophomore Jared Arambula added 16 second half points to propel the Crimson Tide to a 72-51 victory. Mark Booth finished with 16, Douglas 15 and Hynes 14 as Alabama had it's most complete win of the year.

The following afternoon awaited the defending national champion, University of Whitewater Warhawks.

"This was an opportunity to make a true statement," said Thompson

At half the Warhawks led 35-29 as 'bama stayed in the game with pinpoint perimeter looks from Scott Douglas and Brad Baugh. Both has eight points and Mark Booth added a timely three before halftime.

The second half was a different story as the banter and baskets of big men Nate Hinze and Joe Chambers dominated in route to a 83-48 victory over the tide.

"There's a reason they're national champs," said Thompson. "Playing a half is nothing compared to 40 minutes. We need to swallow that horse pill and remember how it tastes."

Then came the Missouri Tigers who were 0-3 for the weekend coming into the game, but could have easily defeated UTA or Edinboro losing by 2 and 3.

Also the Mizzou lady softball team was across the street playing the top ranked Alabama squad in a season opener of top five teams.

The tide's usually reliable transition game was misfiring with turnovers and missed lay ups, as Mizzou continually pounded the ball inside to Freshmen, Connor Downes. Alabama entered intermission up 27-23.

The second half started with Zach Haney on the floor with Freshmen, Ryan Hynes on the bench.

"The Kid (Hynes) is our guy and a stalwart, but the bench is a tool and he needed to be reminded of that," said Thompson. "We needed Haney's infectious defensive effort in the half court. And he brought it."

And with that Mizzou was held to 13 second half points as the Crimson Tide prevailed 53-40. Jared Arambula led all scores with 17 points on 7-21 shooting. Scott Douglas added 12 and Ryan Hynes finished with 10 points on 5-7 shooting.

'Bama Notes--The men's team will play number two ranked Shepherd Stealers at 10am and 2 pm, Saturday February 27th. The contests are the team's last games before Nationals, March 12th and 13th in Marshall, Minnesota. Alabama completed divisional play with a 9-7 record with two games not played against Southwest Minnesota State. The team looks like a good bet for a 4 seed with an outside shot of replacing UTA at the three spot. Friday night's Edinboro game was televised locally with junior division President, Doug Arambula doing the color commentary. Replays are throughout the week on cable channel 21, and copies of the game can be purchased at Sportsnet@aol.com. Former men's Assistant Coach, Jake Counts is currently playing professionally in Italy and recently was selected to his league's all star game.

2009/2010 Final Standings C.I.D

University of Illinois. Men 18-0
University of Wisc', Whitewater 15-3
University of Texas, Arlington 12-6
University of Alabama 9-7
Edinboro University 9-9
Southwest Minnesota State 2-12
University of Illinois, Women 1-17