Cuonzo Martin Leaves Coleman Coliseum Impressed by Alabama’s Guards

The Missouri coach spoke to the media regarding Alabama following his team's 88-74 loss Saturday

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Missouri basketball head coach Cuonzo Martin was quite impressed with the guard play he saw from Alabama in the Tigers' 88-74 loss Saturday afternoon.

Martin spoke to the media about how his team came up short.

“I was impressed with that,” Martin said of his team's impressive 31-for-31 free throw performance. “I think it’s a record. [Alabama] do what they do. In the first half shots were falling for them. Second half, we settled in and defended like we know how to defend. You’ve got to find ways to win games on the road. Even in losses you have to learn from it."

Crimson Tide guards Kira Lewis, Jr. and John Petty, Jr. caught the eye of Martin as both combined for 30 points and nine assists. 

“For us, there were certain things we were willing to sacrifice. We settled in second half. Kira [Lewis] is as good as advertised and [John] Petty’s playing at an MVP level. Kira gets in the paint and forces you to make a decision. Kira’s a good player. When you’re that fast it’s a definite talent. Petty’s putting the ball on the floor and making plays. Now he becomes a guy you have to identify every time down." 

“They did a good job making shots and protecting their home court. We broke down on some assignments in the second half as far as the scouting report.

“We got to the free throw line and id a great job getting in the paint. We’ve got to do a good job finishing those shots. We gave ourselves a chance.

Tigers freshman forward Kobe Brown is a native Alabamian, who poured in 11 points and five rebounds. Brown graduated from Lee High School in Huntsville, Ala.  

“It’s been a minute since I’ve been back, Brown said. "It felt good. We should have come out with a win but we didn’t get it done down the stretch. They moved the ball real well and we let [Lewis] get in the lane and they got open kick-outs.”

Martin made notice, after the game, of the Huntsville product's development since he arrived in Columbia. 

“[Brown] is a talented player and he’s grown each day,” Martin said. “He can drive, he can shoot it and he can rebound. He can do a lot things.”