http://www.chron.com/sports/aggies/article/John-Petty-Alabama-topple-No-5-Texas-A-M-79-57-12464100.php
Alabama topples No. 5 Texas A&M in SEC opener
Updated 8:15 pm, Saturday, December 30, 2017
Alabama celebrates during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama celebrates during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M guard Duane Wilson jumps to score against Alabama guard Avery Johnson Jr. during an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M guard Duane Wilson jumps to score against Alabama guard Avery Johnson Jr. during an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton celebrates the win against Texas A&M after an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama, 79-57. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton celebrates the win against Texas A&M after an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama, 79-57. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama coach Avery Johnson yells during the team's NCAA college basketball game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama coach Avery Johnson yells during the team's NCAA college basketball game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M guard TJ Starks leans back to shoots against Alabama during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M guard TJ Starks leans back to shoots against Alabama during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M forward Robert Williams scores against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M forward Robert Williams scores against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton, left, and guard John Petty, right, celebrate during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
lessAlabama guard Collin Sexton, left, and guard John Petty, right, celebrate during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
... moreTexas A&M coach Billy Kennedy stands on the sideline during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Alabama, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M coach Billy Kennedy stands on the sideline during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Alabama, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton, shoots and scores against Texas A&M guard Savion Flagg during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
lessAlabama guard Collin Sexton, shoots and scores against Texas A&M guard Savion Flagg during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn
... moreAlabama guard Collin Sexton drives against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton drives against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton goes to the basket against Texas A&M center Tyler Davis during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
lessAlabama guard Collin Sexton goes to the basket against Texas A&M center Tyler Davis during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn
... moreAlabama forward Donta Hall shoots in front of Texas A&M center Tyler Davis during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama forward Donta Hall shoots in front of Texas A&M center Tyler Davis during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M guard TJ Starks drives against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M guard TJ Starks drives against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Herb Jones shoots against Texas A&M center Tyler Davis during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Herb Jones shoots against Texas A&M center Tyler Davis during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard John Petty shoots against Texas A&M guard Jay Jay Chandler during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard John Petty shoots against Texas A&M guard Jay Jay Chandler during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M center Tyler Davis scores against Alabama guard Herb Jones during an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M center Tyler Davis scores against Alabama guard Herb Jones during an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M guard Duane Wilson pass the ball as Alabama guard Dazon Ingram defends during the first half an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M guard Duane Wilson pass the ball as Alabama guard Dazon Ingram defends during the first half an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard John Petty high-fives fans after Alabama defeated Texas A&M 79-57 in an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard John Petty high-fives fans after Alabama defeated Texas A&M 79-57 in an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard John Petty attempt the rebound against Texas A&M during an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard John Petty attempt the rebound against Texas A&M during an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton drives the ball against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton drives the ball against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton shakes hands with Alabama head coach Avery Johnson during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton shakes hands with Alabama head coach Avery Johnson during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M head coach Billy Kennedy gives a thumbs up to his players during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M head coach Billy Kennedy gives a thumbs up to his players during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton drives the ball against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton drives the ball against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama forward Donta Hall scores against Texas A&M center Tyler Davis during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama forward Donta Hall scores against Texas A&M center Tyler Davis during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton (2) celebrates after their win against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton (2) celebrates after their win against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton (2) shoots and scores against Texas A&M guard Savion Flagg (5) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
lessAlabama guard Collin Sexton (2) shoots and scores against Texas A&M guard Savion Flagg (5) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP
... moreAlabama guard Collin Sexton, drives the ball against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton, drives the ball against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton (2) looks on at the end of the game against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
lessAlabama guard Collin Sexton (2) looks on at the end of the game against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn
... moreTexas A&M head coach Billy Kennedy helps up an injured player Texas A&M guard Duane Wilson during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
lessTexas A&M head coach Billy Kennedy helps up an injured player Texas A&M guard Duane Wilson during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP
... moreAlabama guard Collin Sexton (2) celebrates by giving high fives to fans after an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard Collin Sexton (2) celebrates by giving high fives to fans after an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama guard John Petty, left, guard Collin Sexton, center, and forward Donta Hall, celebrate during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Texas A&M on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
lessAlabama guard John Petty, left, guard Collin Sexton, center, and forward Donta Hall, celebrate during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Texas A&M on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017,
... moreTexas A&M guard Savion Flagg, left, shoots against Alabama forward Donta Hall during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M guard Savion Flagg, left, shoots against Alabama forward Donta Hall during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Avery Johnson saw his Alabama players hit shots, divvy the scoring load four ways and basically do the things they didn't last time out.
John Petty made five 3-pointers and scored 18 points to help the Crimson Tide knock off No. 5 Texas A&M 79-57 on Saturday night in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.
The Tide (9-4) rebounded from a lackluster performance against Texas in a 66-50 loss an hour away in Birmingham to easily upset the short-handed Aggies (11-2). Johnson said he was on the bench wondering, "Where was this team in Birmingham?"
"That's what went through my mind," he said. "Where was this team? What team did we see in Birmingham? That wasn't Alabama. It wasn't Alabama, 'Bama, it wasn't 'ma.' It was none of the above. That's what irritates me."
Alabama big man Donta Hall had 17 points and six rebounds as four players accounted for 67 points. Collin Sexton, the SEC's leading scorer, had 16 points. He was just 3-of-12 shooting but missed only once in 10 foul shots. Dazon Ingram also had 16 points, along with six rebounds and three assists.
For Alabama, Petty thinks this performance was a sign of things to come.
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"We had some great practices after Texas," Petty said. "We were all a little hurt after that game, because we just felt we could have played better. We came out and had one of our better games this season and that's what you can look forward to the rest of the season. We're going to be playing as hard as we can and all together."
Texas A&M matched its highest ranking in the AP poll this week after a four-game winning streak but got off to a rough start in league play.
The Aggies were without leading scorer D.J. Hogg, serving the second of a three-game suspension for violating school policy. With starting guard Admon Gilder also out with a knee injury, the Aggies struggled offensively.
"We've got guys playing out of position at times and we looked like a dysfunctional team because we were," Texas A&M coach Billy Kennedy said.
Tyler Davis and Robert Williams both had 14 points for the Aggies. Williams added eight rebounds in 21 minutes, and Kennedy said he hurt a knee in the first half that limited his playing time. The Aggies didn't make a field goal over the final 5:24, missing nine in a row.
Petty hit two 3-pointers in a 20-second span to give Alabama a 57-41 lead six minutes into the second half. The Aggies cut it back to single digits before Alabama started an 11-1 spurt with Hall's layup to reclaim control of the game.
Hall made 7 of 8 shots to complement the drives of Sexton and Petty's outside shooting.
"He rolled hard to the basket," Kennedy said. "When Petty's making shots and Sexton's a threat off the ball screen, his rolls to the basket hurt us at times. It makes it hard to help and shift."
Alabama had closed the first half on a four-minute scoring drought, allowing the Aggies to cut a 12-point deficit down to 35-28.
Texas A&M's Duane Wilson appeared to hurt his right knee with about 7 minutes left in the game, staying in before crumpling to the court with the first clock stoppage. He scored nine points.
The two teams meet again in the regular season finale.
BIG PICTURE
Texas A&M: The Aggies missed all 10 3-point attempts in the first half and finished 2 of 21. Shot 30 percent (21 of 70) from the floor.
Alabama: Made 26 of 57 shots (45.6 percent) against the fourth-rated defense in field goal percentage (36.1 percent allowed).
NORRIS OUT
Riley Norris, Alabama's most experienced player, is out for the season with a hip injury. Johnson announced before the game that Norris will have surgery Friday morning. He has started 57 games in his career and played in 110, averaging 4.8 points this season.
SEXTON'S START
Sexton, the SEC's leading scorer, scored Alabama's first seven points but got some rest with seven minutes on the bench in the first half. "He used a lot of energy in the first three minutes of the game because those first nine points that he had was pretty incredible," Johnson said.
UP NEXT
Texas A&M: Hosts Florida on Tuesday night, again without Hogg and probably Gilder, Kennedy said.
Alabama: At Vanderbilt on Tuesday night.
