Releford’s 22 Takes Alabama Men’s Basketball to 5-0

Junior guard Trevor Releford scored 22 points and added six assists as the Alabama men's basketball team defeated Charleston Southern 59-46 on Friday. With the win, the Crimson Tide moves to 5-0 on the season, while the loss drops the Buccaneers to 1-4.

Releford made seven of his 15 attempts in the game and was 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. Sophomore guard Levi Randolph also reached double-figures, scoring 10 points.

 “You have to give Charleston Southern credit tonight,” UA head coach Anthony Grant said. “They came in and really got it. I was saying before the game that this is probably one of the hardest playing teams in terms of their ability to make hustle plays, offensive rebounds and their style of play. We knew that it was going to be a battle. I’m proud of our guys for their effort tonight. I thought in the second half our defense really carried us.”

The Crimson Tide started the game off on a 9-0 run. Through the first half, the score was tied once and the lead changed four times. The Tide eventually took a 36-27 lead at the half. After a slow start to the second half, Alabama outscored Charleston Southern 23-19 down the stretch to seal the victory.

 “We struggled through the first half,” Grant said. “At one point I think we were one for sixteen from the field. I thought our defense’s intensity really carried us through.

” For the game, Alabama shot 40.4 percent (23-of-57) from the floor, including 38.1 percent (8-of-21) from three-point range. The Tide outscored Charleston Southern on the fast break 12-6, as well as 30-18 in the paint. Alabama also had a 17-7 edge in assists. Notable performances came from junior center Carl Engstrom, who finished with six points and eight rebounds, as well as freshman forward Devonta Pollard, who finished with nine points and seven rebounds.

 Alabama next plays this Tuesday, November 27, against Lamar in Coleman Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.  The game can be heard locally on 99.1 WDGM’s sister station, 95.3-FM The Bear.