Alabama Falls in Last Minute Controversy in Player’s Era Championship

The Alabama Crimson Tide fell just short of the Player's Era Festival Championship, falling in the title game to the Oregon Ducks, 83-81.

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it was not a pretty loss to the Ducks. Despite outplaying Oregon in total rebounds (44-39), three-point percentage (32%-29%), second-chance points (16-13), and assists (21-19), Alabama's hopes at the $1 million prize for the winner came down to the final seconds, where the Crimson Tide went to its star players, Mark Sears and Grant Nelson for a game-winning shot. Sears passed to Nelson as time expired and Alabama's 6-foot-11 big man could not get the shot out of his hands in time to tie the game, despite the ball going through the basket, and Alabama fell to Oregon.

The Crimson Tide's loss did not come without controversy, however, as Alabama was called for a goal-tending penalty, which automatically counted a basket for Oregon, which proved to be the difference. Oregon capitalized on a turnover by Grant Nelson, and Jarin Stevenson raced down the court chasing the Oregon offensive attack to block the shot. The official called it goaltending, and Oregon took a 77-75 lead over Alabama on the questionable call and never looked back.

The big news negatively for Alabama Basketball is the lack of production from its best player, Mark Sears. Sears shot 1-for-11 from beyond the arc and only 3-for-14 from the field, totaling 11 points in the contest. Sears was the leading scorer for the Crimson Tide last season, and his production level has not been the same so far in 2024.

Additionally, Alabama's night got even worse when shooting guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. left the game following a non-contact left leg injury that saw him writhing in pain on the court. When Wrightsell was escorted off the court by medical staff, he put no weight on his left leg.

The news went from bad, to worse in Nate Oats' postgame press conference, "They're concerned about his Achilles, which obviously wouldn’t be good," Oats said. "They're gonna get him evaluated once we get back."

Are there any positive takeaways from the Crimson Tide's loss to the Ducks?

One - Jarin Stevenson may have found his groove once again.

Stevenson had shot 0-for-17 on three-pointers entering the game. On Saturday night, he shot 75% from beyond the arc and was tied as the second-leading scorer with 11 points for Alabama behind Labaron Philon, who had 15.

If Wrightsell is to miss significant time or even the entire season, Stevenson will need to step into a bigger role defensively and from three-point range.

Stat Leaders

Points: Labaron Philon - 15
Rebounds: Labaron Philon, Grant Nelson - 7
Assists: Clifford Omoruyi - 6

Players Scoring Double Figures For Alabama

Labaron Philon - 15
Mark Sears - 11
Jarin Stevenson - 11
Aden Holloway - 11
Latrell Wrightsell Jr. - 10

Alabama falls to 6-2 on the young season. The Crimson Tide's next contest will come in the SEC/ACC Challenge on December 4, when Alabama travels to Chapel Hill, North Carolina for a date with the Tar Heels. Tip-off is set for 6:15 p.m. CT.