No. 22 Alabama (4-0) once again dominated the competition with a 98-67 win over Mercer Friday night. This is the last tune up game for the Crimson Tide before they enter one of the toughest out-of-conference schedules in the nation.
Alabama’s win Friday night extended their home win streak to 19 games giving them the 2nd longest home win streak in the nation. The Crimson Tide came up just two points short of the century mark, ending their three-game streak of eclipsing 100 points.
Here are four takeaways from Alabama’s fourth win of the season.
Fast Start For the Tide
Alabama didn’t waste any time asserting their dominance Friday night. The Crimson Tide opened up the game shooting a perfect 8-for-8 on a 17-4 scoring run. Alabama continued to shoot lights out the remainder of the first half putting up 56 points while shooting 23-for-29 from the field.
Mark Sears Stays Hot
Guard Mark Sears led the way for the Crimson Tide offense doing most of his damage in the first half. Sears led the fast start from Alabama scoring 10 of the first 15 points of the game for the Crimson Tide. He would finish the first half with 19 points on 80 percent shooting. Sears finished the game with a game high 24 points.
Domination In the Paint
So far this year Alabama has used the 3-pointer to light up the scoreboard. Friday, Alabama showed that they can be a force in the paint as well. Alabama recorded a season high 50 points from inside the paint. Mark Sears thrived all night driving to the basket for layups.
Nick Pringle is Stepping Up His Game
Earlier this week, Head coach Nate Oats criticized Nick Pringle, challenging him to pick up his game, especially his defense. Pringle took the constructive criticism and responded. For the second game in a row, Pringle has scored at least 12 points and five rebounds. Friday night, he scored 14 points, all inside the paint, and brought down six rebounds for the Crimson Tide. Pringle also added two blocks on the defensive end.
Alabama will travel away from Coleman Coliseum for the first time of the season as they head to Destin, FL to face Ohio State on Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. CT in the Emerald Coast Classic.
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