INDIANAPOLIS – The rest of Rick Pitino's designer suits will stay on the hangers, thanks to a blitz of baskets by Alabama that pried open a tight game Saturday and gave the Crimson Tide a 68-55 win over Pitino's underdogs from Iona.
Herb Jones led Alabama with 20 points, including a steal and layup that highlighted an 11-0 run and gave Alabama breathing room at 54-46 after the teams seesawed with the lead through much of the second half.
But this was never easy for the second-seeded Crimson Tide (25-6). Everyone knew the coach would come to the NCAA Tournament prepared, and expecting to win.
Even though he came in with his highest seeding ever — a 15 — Pitino came to Indy with eight suits and at least a glimmer of hope he might use more