Brandon Miller steps up late as Alabama basketball outlasts Arkansas 84-69

The matchup between Alabama basketball and Arkansas was one of those games where no matter the stats, how good it looked or how you did it, if you walk out with a victory, you'll take it.

As two of the country's top defenses battled, fouls popped up left and right. Points were at a premium, and tensions reached a high point a couple times.

Alabama just happened to be the one to come out on top, and it has a vital timeout from coach Nate Oats to thank.

Arkansas had drawn within two with 4:45 left, having gone on a 7-0 run. Alabama had made only one of its most recent eight shots. Then Oats called the timeout.

It was a wise decision. Out of the time stoppage, Alabama hit three triples to stun the Razorbacks and grab a sizable lead that held up until the end of the game. The Crimson Tide defeated Arkansas 82-69 on Wednesday at Bud Walton Arena.

Here are observations and takeaways from the game between No. 4 Alabama (14-2, 4-0 SEC) and No. 16 Arkansas (12-4, 1-3).

CHARLIE WILSON:'Living the dream': Remembering Alabama basketball manager Charlie Wilson

KENTUCKY WIN: How Charles Bediako, Alabama basketball shut down Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe

Brandon Miller limited by Arkansas early but provides clutch late shooting

The Razorbacks made Miller a non-factor in the first half. The SEC's leading scorer didn't even attempt a shot before the break.

That changed in the second half. Miller scored on the first possession of the second half, and he was a contributor from the free-throw line. But he still hadn't taken over the game the way he can. For much of the second half, he only had one field goal.

Davonte Davis played the biggest role in slowing Miller. His defense on Miller was impressive for a while.

But containing Miller for the entire game isn't easy.

He hit back-to-back threes soon after that timeout from Oats to lead Alabama to victory.

Miller finished with 14 points despite not scoring in the first half.

Mark Sears has best SEC scoring performance yet

Sears has been making plays in each conference game this season, but his offensive performance was vital against the Razorbacks.

Even when many Alabama scorers had trouble getting going, Sears was consistent. He had 12 points in the first half, and his scoring success continued in the second half. He finished with 26 points.

The first possession of the second half, Sears had a steal. Shortly after, he hit a triple to give Alabama an early lead in the second half.

On nights when defenses are focused on Miller, Sears is going to be even more key for the Crimson Tide. He rose to the occasion against the Razorbacks.

Defense keeps Alabama in bumpy first half for both teams

Alabama had six turnovers, got out-rebounded, went 2-for-10 from beyond the arc, hit 38% of shots and sunk only about half of its free throws, yet the game was tied at halftime.

The Crimson Tide defense deserves credit for that.

In a foul-happy opening frame, Alabama limited Arkansas to 0-for-3 from deep and 11-for-28 from the field before the break. The Razorbacks also committed seven turnovers.

Even when Alabama had four turnovers over a five-minute span, Arkansas couldn't capitalize and build a big lead. The Razorbacks had hit two of their past 13 shots at that point.

Dom Welch gets on the board, something he and Alabama needed

Dom Welch has a chance to be a contributor for Alabama as a shooter, particularly from beyond the arc. He took a small, albeit important, step toward that role against Arkansas. He scored.

After missing the nonconference portion of the schedule with a calf injury, Welch hadn't scored any points in the first three games as he averaged 9.7 minutes.

That changed Wednesday. By the end of the first half, Welch had not only scored his first field goal but also two free throws. He finished the day with four points.

It might not seem significant, but for Welch to become a bigger contributor, he needs to hit a few shots to gain some scoring momentum.

Nick Kelly covers Alabama football and men's basketball for The Tuscaloosa News/USA TODAY Network. Reach him via email: nkelly@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_NickKelly.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Brandon Miller steps up late as Alabama basketball outlasts Arkansas