The lead continued to grow through a combination of Xavier made baskets and Alabama missed shots and turnovers.
The Tide led by seven early in Saturday's game vs. No. 23 Xavier.
The Musketeers erased that deficit, led by three at halftime and pulled away for a 64-45 win in the first round of the AdvoCare Invitational in Orlando, Florida on Thursday.
Step back offensively
After shooting 54 percent from the field and making 15 of 25 3-pointers during a 105-94 win over Louisiana-Lafayette last Friday, Alabama made just 17 of 55 shots (31 percent) and just five of 28 3-pointers vs. Xavier.
The Tide had 18 turnovers.
Alabama only scored 21 points in the second half.
The Tide was 7 of 25 (28 percent) from the field and 2 of 13 on 3s during the second half.
While Xavier attempted 25 free throws, the Tide only got to the line for 10 free throws.
Defense falls off in second half
Alabama limited Xavier to 27 points and two 3-pointers in the first half.
However, the Musketeers created open looks from 3-point range in the second half, taking advantage with five second half 3-pointers on 11 attempts.
The Tide defense contributed to Xavier shooting just 24 percent in the first half.
The Musketeers were 14 of 25 (56 percent) from the field during the second half.
Significant rebounding advantage
Xavier outrebounded Alabama, 47-31, including 22-9 in the second half.
Guard Dazon Ingram was the only Tide player with more than five rebounds.
He had nine.
Quiet game for two key players
Guard Retin Obasohan finished with just two points.
He was 0 of 6 from the field of 0 of 3 on 3-pointers.
Forward Jimmie Taylor had another quiet game.
Taylor scored four points on 2 of 5 shooting and had only five rebounds.
Taylor has posted averages of 5.3 points and three rebounds in three games against Division I teams.