Alabama is third nationally in efficiency, threes and blocks entering SEC play

It’s no surprise to see Alabama’s offense ranked among the best in the country. It’s been that way since Nate Oats flipped the style and perception of basketball in Tuscaloosa, bringing a fast-paced and high-scoring brand to the Crimson Tide.

This year, Oats has the league’s leading scorer in his backcourt again, and Alabama averaged 94.7 points per game in non-conference play. The Tide also has the third-most efficient offense in college basketball, behind Purdue and Illinois.

Alabama enters conference play ranking third nationally in a couple of other categories, too: threes and blocks. The rare combination of offense/defense explains why games in Tuscaloosa can swing so quickly. Most teams…