No. 5 Alabama has a reputation as 3-point gunners, but it’s defense and rebounding that have become a focus as the Tide welcome South Dakota State to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to end the 2024 calendar year.Alabama (10-2) is frequently thought of as an offensive 3-point shooting free-for-all program, but Nate Oats’ 2024-25 squad has thrived largely on the basis of inside play. The Tide are shooting 62.2 percent on their two-point attempts and grab 45 rebounds per game, each figure placing the team among the national leaders in those categories.Alabama does still shoot an average of 31 3-point shots per game, again one of the nation’s highest totals. But so far, Alabama’s 31.2 percent connection rate is very ordinary. But connecting inside and owning the glass has held benefits for Alabama.Meanwhile, defense has concerned Oats, particularly coming off a 97-90 win over North Dakota on Dec. 18. Oats issued warnings about players losing spots in the rotation if defensive execution didn’t improve. Alabama passed the first post-North Dakota test in an 81-54 win over Kent State on Sunday.”We did make a big point of emphasis on defense, especially after that debacle up in North Dakota,” said Oats after the Kent State victory. “It was a much better defensive effort, so it will be a lot better Christmas break for us.”Alabama won the rebounding battle over Kent State 60-40, although Oats contended that the Tide “gave up too many second-chance points.” Alabama made 72 percent of its two-point attempts even as just 9 of 35 3-point attempts connected.Alabama has battled personnel uncertainty early in the season. An Achilles injury ended the season of guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. just as transfer Chris Youngblood was preparing to return from an ankle injury.The Tide have 11 players averaging double-digit minutes and eight averaging 7.4 points per game or better, led by super senior guard Mark Sears with 17.8 ppg. Super senior forward Grant Nelson remains a key player, leading the Tide with 8.7 rebounds per game while adding 12.8 ppg.