No. 5 Alabama opened up SEC play by overwhelming No. 12 Oklahoma 107-79 in the Sooners' first-ever SEC basketball game.
Oklahoma came out of the gate scoring the game’s first two points, but the Crimson Tide responded right back and never gave up the lead the entire night. The offense was clicking all night while the defense locked down Oklahoma’s leading scorer.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Welcome to the SEC
Alabama welcomed Oklahoma, one of two new members to the SEC this season, to its first SEC conference basketball game in program’s history. The Sooners came into SEC play undefeated and ranked No. 12 but left Tuscaloosa with their first blemish of the season. The Crimson Tide dominated from start to finish, never giving Oklahoma a chance to get back into the game.
Hot Start
Oklahoma scored first, but that was the only time they would have the lead. Alabama dominated the first half, going into the break with a 48-29 lead led by Labaron Philon’s 10 points. Grant Nelson controlled the paint in the first half, finishing the first 20 minutes with seven points and seven rebounds.
Crashing the Boards
Alabama dominated the glass Saturday night, outrebounding Oklahoma 51-26. The Crimson Tide really got after it on the offensive glass, pulling down 22 offensive rebounds that led to 25 second-chance points. Nelson grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds on the night.
Double-Doubles
The Crimson Tide had two players record a double-double. Mark Sears led all scorers with 22 points and completed his double-double by distributing 10 assists. Nelson also recorded a double-double scoring 12 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.
Alabama will travel to South Carolina on Wednesday. The game will tip off at 6 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
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