Tuscaloosa, Ala. - Turnovers have been a major issue for the Crimson Tide men's basketball team this season, with Alabama currently averaging 13.4 turnovers per game.

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Alabama turned the ball over 14 times in the victory over Arkansas and 17 times in the win over Texas in the past week, with turnovers being a common theme in the three losses on Alabama's record so far:

Eight turnovers against Purdue
15 turnovers against Oregon
21 turnovers against Ole Miss

How does Alabama stop turning the ball over? Alabama head coach Nate Oats was extremely blunt in his answer on Friday.

"We need Mark Sears and Grant Nelson to stop turning the ball over," Oats said.

On the season, Sears and Nelson lead the Crimson Tide in turnovers with 2.8 for Sears and 2.1 for Nelson. In SEC play, those numbers elevated, with Sears averaging three turnovers per game and Nelson averaging 2.18.

How does Alabama stop the two biggest offenders from turning the ball over?

Sears turns the ball over more consistently when he is dribbling for a long time. Taking early shots and facilitating the offense early in the shot clock will likely work best for Alabama. It will also lead to more possessions for Alabama's high-flying offense, which will be needed in a game like this.

For Grant Nelson, Allowing him to attack the basket immediately after receiving a pass is the best way for him to play. Nelson remaining in a "catch-and-shoot" role underneath the basket is an effective way for him to play, and if he gets caught by himself behind the three-point line, let it fly.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.

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