SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

March 13, 2021

Herbert Jones

Alabama Crimson Tide

Postgame Press Conference

Alabama 73, Tennessee 68

THE MODERATOR: We're joined by Herbert Jones. Herb, start talking about the game.

HERBERT JONES: I think we gave a winning effort, more so in the second half than we did in the first. We came out kind of sluggish in the first. We picked up on the defensive end, competed a lot more and got the win.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Walk us through the 14-0 run.

HERBERT JONES: At halftime we decided to just come out and play our brand of basketball. I don't think we did that the first half. I think that's what the 14-0 run was. We came out and competed on the defensive end, that led to our offensive end.

Q. You have a chance tomorrow to win the first tournament title for Alabama in 30 years. What would that mean for you being from Alabama and being a senior?

HERBERT JONES: I mean, it would mean a lot. That was part of the reason why I came to school here, to try to turn it to a basketball school. I think we're doing that right now.

We just got to show up and bring the energy we brought in the second half for 40 minutes tomorrow.

Q. What did you see from Keon Ellis in the second half? How much did he step up for Josh?

HERBERT JONES: Yeah, I mean, Keon, he does what Keon does. He defends well. He make plays on the offensive end. He plays with a ton of confidence. That's what he did today. Especially with Primo going down, he had to play a lot more minutes. I feel like he stepped up and did what he had to do.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Herb.

HERBERT JONES: Thank you.