Alabama basketball: Petty a 'game-time decision,' Key could be back soon
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama basketball head coach Avery Johnson said shooting guard John Petty will be a “game-time decision" for Wednesday’s game against Louisiana Tech after injuring his right ankle during Saturday’s loss to Minnesota.
According to a report from The Tuscaloosa News, Petty had an MRI on Sunday that indicated a sprain but no broken bones or ligament damage.
“He didn’t practice yesterday, we’ll see how he feels for practice today,” Johnson said. “But he’s probably going to be a game-time decision tomorrow night.”
Johnson also gave an update on injured forward Braxton Key who underwent a meniscus surgery on Nov. 8. Key is Alabama’s leading returner from last season, averaging 12 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as a freshman.
“Braxton is still out,” Johnson said. “He’s increased his workload throughout his rehab... We hope to have him back for non-contact practice maybe next week, and then we’ll see how he continues to progress. But he’s doing well.”
Petty’s injury forced him to leave the game with 10:41 to play, cutting Alabama down to three men. Seven Crimson Tide players were ejected from the game for leaving the bench during an altercation with 13:43 remaining. That left the five players on the court as the only active participants remaining for Alabama. Dazon Ingram then fouled out with 11:37 left, cutting the Crimson Tide down to four men.
“I was more concerned about him and the short-term and long-term of that injury, because it just didn’t look good,” Johnson said of Petty’s injury. “When we looked at after the game, it really looked bad. So, fortunately, we think he’s going to be OK and there’s not going to be any long-term effects to his game or him physically.”
Point guard Collin Sexton and forwards Riley Norris and Galin Smith finished the game three-on-five and actually outscored Minnesota 30-22 for the rest of the game. The comeback bid ultimately fell short as the Golden Gophers hung on for an 89-84 victory. Sexton scored a career-high 40 points, becoming the first Crimson Tide player to score 40 or more since Reggie King had 43 points against Virginia on Dec. 29, 1978. Sexton was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Monday.
“Honestly, I just wanted to win,” Sexton said. “I was going to do anything for my team to win, whether that’s make shots or another person to, it didn’t really matter. I just tried to get the ball in the hole and try to leave with a victory.”
Sexton leads the team 25.2 points and 4.4 assists per game. He is also tied for the team lead with 1.2 steals per game and is averaging 3.8 rebounds. Petty is second on the team with 14 points to go with 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
No. 24 Alabama (5-1) hosts Louisiana Tech (5-0) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT. The game can be seen on SEC Network +.