The 3-pointer: Three takeaways from No. 23 Alabama's loss to Clemson

Alabama basketball was in a dogfight during its ACC/SEC Challenge matchup against Clemson.

The No. 23 Crimson Tide came out sputtering against a disciplined Tigers team Tuesday, in a game that had ESPN commentator Jay Williams questioning the environment inside Coleman Coliseum.

The Tigers took full advantage, slowing Alabama down and showing no fear on the road to secure an 85-77 victory over Alabama.

Here are three takeaways from Alabama's second loss of the season:

The Crimson Tide couldn't play it's style on its home court.

Alabama didn’t make its first 3 of the game until the 12:45 mark of the first half, starting 0-for-9 from beyond the arc.

The Crimson Tide shot 31% from deep for the game, as it's usually speedy tempo and rapid shot generation were absent for large portions due to Clemson's efforts on both ends of the floor.

Clemson’s defense did well to force Alabama off the 3-point line. The Tigers overplayed Alabama’s guards in pick-and-roll situations, which didn’t give the Crimson Tide easy open looks.

"When you're not getting downhill, creating help, your 3s and end up being tougher 3s," Alabama coach Nate Oats said. "We didn't shoot as well from three so we got to do a lot better job."

The Tigers offense also played a part in slowing down Alabama. Clemson came into Tuesday’s contest ranked No. 214 in adjusted tempo according to KenPom and was forcing Alabama to play that tempo all game.

Mark Sears managed to catch fire during portions of the game and finished with 23 points, but failed to score for nearly 15 minutes to start the contest. Aaron Estrada had 16 points Grant Nelson added 14, but both players shot just 2-for-8 from beyond the arc.

As Alabama continued to stuggle, Clemson's 3-point shooting came alive.

The Tigers shot 52% from 3 and played controlled offense to cut apart the Crimson Tide. Clemson guard Joseph Girard III finished with 16 points and shot 4-for-7 from deep.

The Tigers ability to work the ball inside so easily allowed them to kick out to open shooters and their 3-point shooting depth was on full display. Girard, PJ Hall and Chase Hunter all made at least three triples. Hunter finished with 15 points three rebounds and an assist.

"This is multiple times where the other team's best player or players go for more than their season average," Oats said. "We got to do a better job on the guys that we know that they're gonna go to."

When Clemson wasn't hitting 3s, the Tigers was targeting Alabama's forwards in the paint.

Clemson outscored Alabama 32-22 in the paint and took full advantage of offensive rebounds, while Alabama spurned its second-chance opportunities.

When Hall was to the bench early in the second half with three quick fouls, the Crimson Tide took advantage and it felt like the momentum might swing in Alabama's favor with Clemson's star forward out of action.

Then Hall came back into the game.

Hall drew Alabama’s attention and Clemson went old school, pounding the rock in the paint to pull away in the second half. The Tigers ignited a 13-0 run in the final period, largely spearheaded by Hall and the Tigers' other forwards down low, who out-muscled Alabama.

"Some of our guys that we know can be tough had some plays where they're not tough," Oats said. "So you got to do it for 40 minutes."

Hall finished 19 points, along with eight rebounds, two assists and four blocks. When it wasn’t Hall on the block, Clemson turned to Ian Schieffelin who finished with nine points 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

For the first time this season, Alabama started a game with a slightly adjusted lineup.

The Crimson Tide had four of its usual five starters but replaced forward Nick Pringle with West Virginia transfer Mohamed Wague.

When speaking to the media Monday, Oats praised Wague’s rebounding ability and said the former Mountaineer hadn’t had enough reps in Alabama’s system due to missing time recovering from surgery in the offseason.

While Alabama was dominated by Clemson's frontcourt, Wague did have his moments, finishing with six points and three rebounds.

"He did good in his minutes," Oats said. "He's a little foul prone. We gotta get him to guard without fouling. We gotta get them to convert a little better from the field, he missed a few shots, but it's his first year in a system."

It's clear all of Alabama's forwards need to improve as the Crimson Tide continues its nonconference slate. However, Wague's contributions against a very experienced Clemson team show flashes that he can be molded into the forward Oats needs in his system.