Chris Stewart Sports

11:45 p.m. CST - A much needed win...

A three-point win, over perhaps the worst team in the SEC, is not ordinarily cause for celebration. And while I didn't hear any champagne corks popping around town following Alabama's 76-73 victory over Ole Miss, it was still something for this team to feel good about.

Why? Because this team needed ANYTHING to feel good about right now.

1. Their head coach's future is not being debated by fans, the media, or even close supporters. It seems only the timing of his departure is in question. That's not a discussion for me to join in on. I'll leave that to others .

2. One of the programs all-time most promising and beloved players has left the team in the middle of the year.

3. And I heard someone refer to fan attendance at Coleman Coliseum tonight as being similar to a certain segment of those that attend NASCAR races - the ones that show up because they want to see a wreck.

While they seemeed to "get loose in the turn" a few times, the Tide's performance was also far from being "the big one" many anticipated. Mikhail Torrence made sure that didn't happen. He played the greatest game of his Alabama career tonight. I call it that not just because he matched his career high with 24 points - but because he played 36 minutes, stayed under control, let the game come to him, and only had one turnover.

That's why 76-73 was enjoyable. When there isn't much joy, and you're struggling to hang in there, you take whatever successes and enjoyment you can find. 

For one game, on one night, this team had some success and deserves to enjoy it.

One more note...

Just saw where Mo Williams had 33 points and 3 assists for the Cavs, while Lebron James had 34 and 14.

The former Bama star may be developing into the sidekick that King James needs in order to claim a title. Batman needed Robin. Jordan needed Pippen. Shaq needed Kobe.

Mo may wind up being just what Lebron needs, as well.