Tennessee stifles No. 1 Alabama basketball 68-59, hands Tide first conference loss

There was no buzzer-beater defeating Tennessee this time. The Vols defense made sure of it.

In a battle where just about every basket had to be earned, Tennessee never let Alabama basketball take over. The stifling brand of basketball the Vols play slowed the Crimson Tide, and Tennessee upset the nation's No. 1 team 68-59 on Wednesday at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville.

Here are observations and takeaways from the matchup between No. 1 Alabama (22-4, 12-1 SEC) and No. 11 Tennessee (20-6, 9-4).

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Tennessee wins battle of two elite defenses

Two of the nation's top five defenses faced off in Knoxville, and it showed.

Neither offense could get in a strong rhythm with both teams playing a physical style of basketball. Tennessee entered the matchup No. 1 in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom. Alabama was No. 5.

But even against strong defenses, Alabama can usually figure out a way to get on a roll offensively for a period of time. It has the nation's No. 13 offense, after all.

That didn't happen, though. Tennessee disrupted Alabama for most of the game. The Vols limited Brandon Miller, the SEC's leading scorer, to 15 points as he went 4-for-11 from the field.

The Vols held Alabama to 17-for-48 from the field for a low 35%.

Turnover troubles plague Alabama

Alabama had difficulty holding onto the basketball from basically the beginning.

Tennessee's defense proved to be problematic for Alabama, and it resulted in frequent turnovers. The Crimson Tide had 12 turnovers in the first half, seven of which were via steals.

The other problem was, Tennessee capitalized on those turnovers. The Vols had 17 points off turnovers before the break. By the end of the game, Tennessee had scored 26 off turnovers.

Alabama's eagerness to give up the ball also gave Tennessee almost twice as many shooting opportunities in the first half. The Vols attempted 37 shots to Alabama's 21 before the break.

Still, the Crimson Tide defense limited Tennessee enough so that the score was tied 29-29 at halftime.

Turnovers slowed in the second half, but they stilled popped up at inopportune times. Alabama committed the most turnovers (19) it has during SEC play this season.

Rylan Griffen a non-factor

When Alabama has needed a spark in recent games, it has often turned to freshman Rylan Griffen.

That wasn't the case on Wednesday, though. Griffen didn't get much playing time. When he did, he didn't do much statistically.

He didn't attempt his first shot until about six minutes remained in the second half.

Griffen finished 0-for-1 in 11 minutes of play.