Alabama Cruises to Big Victory Over Oklahoma to Open SEC Play

Tuscaloosa, AL - The Alabama men's basketball team cruised to a dominating victory over the Oklahoma Sooners, avenging the football team's loss there two months ago. Alabama saw multiple players in double figures while the stars of Alabama's basketball team were defending with a renewed passion after a week off. Alabama earned a big win over Oklahoma to open SEC play, 107-79.

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Alabama started the game with contributions from a player who has struggled more than anyone else on the roster - Jarin Stevenson. Stevenson played well early, but his performance trailed off as the game continued, paving the way for Alabama's other two big men to have good nights on the floor.

Alabama's defense played physically, forcing multiple mistakes and sloppy plays by Oklahoma, leading to Alabama having more scoring opportunities, which the Crimson Tide took advantage of. The three-point shooting was not up to the level Nate Oats and Alabama wanted, but with Oklahoma being a strong team at defending the three, 33.3% in the first half, with Labaron Philon knocking down 66%, was an encouraging sign for a three-point shot that had concerned the Crimson Tide faithful early in the season.

Alabama's big playmakers came in the paint on the night, with 24 of Alabama's 48 first-half points coming down low.

The cohesive play led to a substantial Alabama lead at halftime, with the Crimson Tide boasting a 19-point lead over Oklahoma.

The second half saw the three-point shooting falter a bit, but Oklahoma was playing fast and recklessly in a futile effort to remain competitive in this game.

Is the lack of three-point shooting a concern for Alabama? Potentially, but if Alabama can substitute three-point shooting for physical play in the paint, the Crimson Tide can still be as dangerous a team as they want.

Alabama Stat Leaders

Points: Mark Sears - 22
Rebounds: Grant Nelson - 11
Assists: Mark Sears - 10

Alabama Players in Double Digit Points

Labaron Philon - 16
Mark Sears - 22
Grant Nelson - 12
Clifford Omoruyi - 10
Aden Holloway - 10

Grant Nelson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Sears also had a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists.

The Crimson Tide will hit the road for its first SEC road game this season on Wednesday, January 8, when Alabama takes on the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia, South Carolina. That game will tip off at 6:00 p.m. CT.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.