TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Justin Tubbs has become comfortable in his role for No. 19 Alabama providing a spark off the bench.<br>
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The freshman's energetic performance against Arkansas could have earned him more playing time, and possibly even a starting job, for the struggling Crimson Tide.<br>
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``Justin Tubbs helped himself,'' coach Mark Gottfried said Monday. ``He played with a ton of energy.''<br>
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With the Tide (15-5, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) having lost two straight games and three of its last four, Gottfried said he has contemplated a lineup change for Wednesday's game at LSU.<br>
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Tubbs said the coaches told him to ``be ready'' just in case.<br>
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He only made 2-of-9 shots in 22 minutes against the Razorbacks but also had four steals, an assist and three rebounds. Appreciative Tide fans applauded when he headed to the bench late in that 63-57 loss.<br>
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Alabama rallied from a 51-27 deficit over the final 10:50 to make it close.<br>
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``I see my role as being the guy who can come off the bench to give the team some energy, to play great defense and, on offense, to knock down the open shot when it's there,'' Tubbs said.<br>
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If Gottfried does decide to give Tubbs a start, it would be a dramatic change. The 6-foot-2 guard is averaging just 7.3 minutes in 16 games, but he has made 10-of-24 3-pointers.<br>
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Starting guard Mykal Riley has struggled lately. Riley is a combined 2-for-13 shooting, including 0-for-9 on 3-pointers, in the Tide's two losses.<br>
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Tubbs said his confidence has grown during the season.<br>
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``I'm not afraid,'' he said. ``At the beginning of the year, I was nervous but I'm not nervous any more. I still get butterflies before the game, but not like I did. I know what it's about now.<br>
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``It was frustrating when I just sitting on the bench and not playing. That's always frustrating, but especially when your team is not winning. You want to be out there helping, and I can't help if I'm not out there.''<br>
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Information from: The Tuscaloosa News, http://www.tuscaloosanews.com
