Alabama Rolls Over Tigers; Goes to Top of SEC

Alabama routs LSU 109 - 88 to jump Tennessee in the SEC standings, taking a half-game lead over first place in the conference.

After entering the locker room only up by six, the Tide slammed the door on the Tigers in the second half, outscoring LSU by 15 points the rest of the way to earn a second-straight SEC victory.

"I did think that starting group was a lot better in the second half," commented Alabama head coach Nate Oats.

Saturday's 109-point scoring outburst marks the sixth time this season the Crimson Tide have scored 100+ in a game, a new program record.

"We should have 8, to be honest." said coach Oats. "We had 99 against Oregon and 98 against Mercer."

The Tide were led in scoring by Mark Sears (21), who shot 0-5 from three but went a perfect 11-11 from the free throw line; Sears also had five assists and three rebounds tonight.

Two other Alabama guards, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Aaron Estrada, also put up big numbers in the scoring column tonight, with Wrightsell Jr. dropping 19 and Estrada scoring a quiet 18.

Estrada also contributed much more than scoring tonight, racking up six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in an impactful all-around performance.

"I think we have the best backcourt in the country if you ask me," said Latrell Wrightsell Jr.

Another notable performance from this evening was Grant Nelson, who has started to settle into Power Six play after a rocky start to the season.

The former NDSU Bison recorded 12 points and five rebounds while providing much-needed confidence, toughness, and aggression on both sides of the court, which will be critical for Alabama to make a run in March.

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After a masterful performance by the Crimson Tide, they jump to 6-1 in conference play, barely edging out the Tennesse Volunteers for temporary control over first place in the league. The No. 5 ranked Vols play South Carolina in Thompson-Boling Arena on Tuesday.

The Tide will travel to Athens, Ga. Wednesday to take on the Georgia Bulldogs on SEC Network.