Number 5 Alabama took care of business on the road Wednesday, defeating South Carolina 88-68 to advance to 2-0 in SEC play. The Gamecocks took an early lead in the opening minutes of the game, but Alabama quickly erased the lead and built a double-digit lead just after the under-eight timeout. The Crimson Tide closed the half strong, leading the home team 45-28 at the break and never looked back.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Disaster at the Line
Shots were falling for Alabama from everywhere but the free-throw line. The Crimson Tide has struggled from the charity stripe all season, and tonight was as bad as any. Alabama shot 50% from the line, hitting 10 of their 20 attempts.
Bench Comes Up Big
One of the deepest teams in the nation showed why they are in that conversation. Alabama’s bench outscored the South Carolina bench 39-4, with their four points coming late in the second half. Aden Holloway provided a spark off the bench, contributing 13 points, and was the Crimson Tide’s second-leading scorer.
Sears Heats Up
Mark Sears struggled to find his shot early on in the season, but now that SEC play has started, he has been heating up. Sears had an impressive game in the SEC opener against Oklahoma, and he carried the momentum over to the game tonight. Sears finished with a game-high 22 points. When he wasn’t scoring baskets, he was setting his teammates up with easy looks, finishing with a game-high six assists.
Omoruyi Gets Involved On Offense
Rutgers transfer Clifford Omoruyi has been more of a defensive presence for the Crimson Tide thus far this season. On Wednesday, he became more active on the offensive end of the court. Alabama got Omoruyi involved with their swift ball movement and his action of screens to set him up for easy twos around the basket. Omoruyi finished with 10 points and five rebounds despite running into some foul trouble.
Alabama will travel to play No. 10 Texas A&M on Saturday, January 11, at 7 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ESPN.
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