Alabama basketball scores over the century mark despite Mark Sears being held scoreless with a big win over Illinois on the neutral floor.
Alabama got off to a hot start offensively and rolled in the C.M. Newton Classic 100-87 against 25th-ranked Illinois. For the first time since November 8, 2020, against Illinois, Mark Sears was at Ohio and had zero points, and tonight, Sears had zero against the same opponent.
Labaron Philon won the hard hat tonight.
“That was a big win tonight and many positives to take away,” said head coach Nate Oats.
Takeaway #1: 52 point first half surge for the Tide
After struggling to go offensively the past couple of games, Alabama basketball got off to a quick start, with Grant Nelson making three straight threes off the jump. Alabama went on a 13-0 run in the middle of the half, getting up as much as 18, and the Tide never turned back after that, leading the rest of the game. The half was highlighted with 10 out of 11 guys who saw action in the half, scoring at least two points, and Nelson led the way with 19 points in the half, along with Aden Holloway, who had 11.Â
Takeaway #2: Depth shined for the tide
With Sears having an off night, Alabama needed guys to come off the bench and provide a spark offensively. The team did just that, scoring 39 bench points led by Holloway, who had his best game in an Alabama uniform thus far with 18 points, knocking down 3-4 from the outside banking in two threes from the top of the key and converting a four-point play. Aden Sherell and Derrion Reid continued to grow as freshmen, scoring seven points, with Sherell getting an uptick in minutes with 18 after getting two against Purdue.
“He had some good looks tonight, and I tried to put him back in and told Oats to leave these guys in because they were playing well,” Oats said, deciding to keep Sears on the bench for the game’s final stretch.
Takeaway #3: Illinois dominates the glass
Illinois stayed in the game by leading the rebounding battle 44-37 and dominating the second-chance points 15-7. With Alabama playing in rock fights coming up on the schedule, it will be crucial not to give up multiple shots on a possession. Freshman Will Riley for Illinois had five offensive rebounds and shined on the offensive end. Foul trouble allowed the Illini to take control of the glass, with Clifford Omoruyi missing the majority of the second half with four fouls, who leads Alabama on the year in rebounding, averaging around eight a game.
Next up for Alabama (4-1): vs. Houston (2-1) -Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. EST
Next up for Illinois (3-1): vs. MD Eastern Shore (2-5) -Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. EST