Alabama was off the mark, going 5 of 18 in the first quarter. Poor shooting wasn’t the only reason for slow start. South Carolina was quicker in the paint offensively, scoring easy layups. On the other end, the Gamecocks locked down the Crimson Tide, forcing tough shots and not allowing second-chance points.

Alabama fans took to social media shortly after the news was shared and felt disrespected by South Carolina's decision. "Absolutely disrespectful," one fan said. "What in tarnation?????" another wrote.

The Crimson Tide grabbed a sizable lead in the first half then did enough to maintain it in the second half. As a result, Alabama won its first SEC road game of the season 88-68 on Wednesday at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. Alabama guard Mark Sears led all scorers with 22 points.