No. 5 Alabama handles business in 20-point road win over South Carolina

No. 5 Alabama basketball went on the road and did what was expected of it against South Carolina on Wednesday night, winning 88-68. The win moved the Crimson Tide to 13-2 on the season and a 2-0 start in SEC play.

Alabama continued with the same starting five its used for a number of games in a row now, rolling with Mark Sears, Labaron Philon, Jarin Stevenson, Grant Nelson and Cliff Omoruyi.

HOW IT HAPPENED

South Carolina’s defense came out extremely active and physical, giving Alabama some problems offensively early on including a couple turnovers. Still, thanks to a couple made threes, including an and-one three from Philon, Alabama held a slim 10-9 lead at the first media timeout of the game.

As the first half continued, Sears put together one of the best starts to a game he’s had all season, driving strong to the lane, knocking down good looks from outside, and dishing some nice passes. He made his first five shots from the field, including three looks from 3-point range, to score 13 of Alabama’s first 25 points. Headed into the under-8 timeout, the Crimson Tide held a nine point lead, its largest of the game to that point.

With the half drawing to a close Alabama continued to slowly build its lead. It got up to 14 in the penultimate 4-minute stretch of the half after a few nice plays from both Omoruyi and Mo Dioubate. Dioubate made an impact on both ends with some nice finishes and defensive stands, while Omoruyi built on his strong offensive game against Oklahoma with some big-time dunks.

Alabama closed the half continuing to push the lead out with strong efforts on both ends of the floor. Chris Youngblood knocked down his first 3-pointer and Sears hit another one, to go along with a ridiculous Philon finish in the closing minutes of the first stanza.

Alabama led 45-28 at halftime, shooting 60 percent from the field and 6-for-11 from deep, one of its best 3-point shooting halves of the year.

South Carolina opened the second half scoring nine quick points in the first three minutes, much to the displeasure of Oats. He subbed all five starters after a few possessions, and after Derrion Reid gave up a transition bucket he called timeout and came out to halfcourt to chew him out.

With the bench in the game, Aden Holloway started to get hot. He grabbed a steal and hit two extremely difficult layups, then knocked down a transition three to give the Tide a 17-point lead at the under-16 timeout.

The second half continued on with South Carolina trying to cut into the deficit, but not making much of a dent. Alabama went on a near-3-minute scoring drought missing seven shots from the floor in a row headed into the under-8, but still held 15-point lead with 7:56 to go in the game.

Over the next four minutes Alabama built the lead back up to 20 thanks to some Sears free throws and assists, capping off his excellent night. The game was essentially over with a 77-57 score headed into the under-4 timeout.

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

Mark Sears — 22 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds

Cliff Omoruyi — 10 points, 5 rebounds

Aden Holloway — 13 points, 2 assists

WHAT’S NEXT

There’s no rest in the SEC. Alabama is back on the road again Saturday to take on No. 10 Texas A&M in College Station. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN.

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