Nate Oats appears to call out Mark Sears after benching guard in second half

Alabama extended its winning streak to three on Saturday, holding off LSU in Tuscaloosa. They did so without Mark Sears as the star guard did not play the entire second half. The absence was not injury-related, at least according to the SEC Network broadcast.

Nate Oats was asked about Sears spending the second half on the bench but did not directly speak on the situation. Instead, he decided to emphasize how much better Alabama played on the defensive end. Poor efforts in the first half caused for a tight game and Oats decided to roll with a group he thought was capable of earning a win.

“This is all I’m gonna say about playing time stuff,” Oats said postgame. “We played the guys in the second half that we thought gave us the best chance to win the game, and we on the game. Our defense was significantly better in the second half than in the first half, and we haven’t done that much this year.”

Sears finished the game with zero points, going 0-5 from the field and missing both three-point attempts in 17 minutes played. It’s the first time Sears has a scoring goose egg since the Nov. 20 game vs. Illinois and just the third time throughout his career.

Although, Sears was not the only Alabama starter who was not on the court as second-half play resumed. The same was true of center Cliff Omoruyi as rebounding did not go well for the Crimson Tide. LSU was finding a way to get plenty of offensive rebounds.

But Omoruyi got back into the game and wound up making an impact. The big man snagged nine rebounds while scoring eight points. Oats’ message to both Omoruyi and Sears was the same about being benched to start the final 20 minutes of play.

“Same response Cliff gave us in the second half,” Oats said. “Be all about the stuff we need to win basketball games.”

Sears was not available to comment on the situation following the game.

Alabama is back in action again on Wednesday, heading on the road to Starkville. A tough Mississippi State team will be waiting for them fresh off an overtime win against South Carolina. Per usual, there are no off nights in the SEC this season.

Sears and his availability will be a storyline to watch heading into the matchup. Based on the comments from Oats, some defensive effort might be needed from the fifth-year player.