The Alabama men's basketball team overcame challenges to secure an 80-73 victory against the LSU Tigers at Coleman Coliseum on Saturday night. The fourth-ranked Crimson Tide improved their record to 17-3, with 6-1 standing in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, as they continue to assert their dominance this season.
The game wasn't devoid of drama. One of the highlights was the notable absence of Alabama's leading scorer, Mark Sears, who sat out the entire second half after failing to score and shooting 0-for-5 during the first. Alabama head coach Nate Oats explained, "We played the guys in the second half who we thought gave us the best chance to win the game, and we won the game." This decision raised eyebrows, especially considering the expectations placed on Sears, who averaged 19.1 points before the game.
Despite the setback for Sears, Alabama's Aden Holloway emerged as the star, leading the team with 19 points, including some key three-pointers. Oats praised Holloway's contributions, noting, "Holloway puts so much pressure on your defense. He’s one of the best shooters in the country." His performance marked yet another high point for the Auburn transfer this season, as he continues to solidify his position as a reliable scorer.
Chris Youngblood also made headlines, earning his first start and finishing with 13 points and multiple rebounds. "It felt good. You know, it's funny, because at first, my family thought I was going to be mad about not starting, but I was like, 'Man, this team is wonderful,'" he said after the game. His ability to step up when needed reflects the depth and resilience of the Alabama roster.
On the other side, coach Matt McMahon of LSU expressed concerns about his team’s defensive strategy against Alabama, stating, "Our defense was significantly worse than I expected early on. We had to make adjustments, but Alabama capitalized effectively when it mattered most." The Tigers shot just 39% from the field and highlighted their struggles on the offensive glass.
The first half was tightly contested, with both teams ending at 40-40 by halftime. Alabama exhibited early offensive difficulties, plagued by 14 turnovers, which LSU capitalized on for 17 points. Oats challenged his team at halftime to improve, reflecting on the need for greater intensity and focus, particularly on the defensive end.
Alabama's defense showed marked improvement during the second half. Oats emphasized their need to make adjustments to secure the win, stating, "We took the challenge seriously, and our defensive intensity was super proud of the way they came out to guard in the second half." They tightened their interior and perimeter defense, limiting LSU's offensive opportunities substantially.
The Tide managed to build momentum late in the second half, highlighted by an 8-0 run after the final media timeout, which provided them with the necessary cushion to seal the victory. Although the Tigers fought back to cut the lead to six with under a minute left, Alabama’s performance at the free-throw line—hitting 79% overall—helped maintain their advantage.
After the victory, conversation shifted to Alabama’s next matchup against No. 14 Mississippi State, which poses another significant test. The Crimson Tide will need to remain vigilant, particularly concerning player performance and injuries, as both Sears and fellow starter Clifford Omoruyi showed signs of struggle throughout the game.
The overarching theme from the game was one of growth and maturation. Oats noted, "A game like this shows how we have to approach every opponent. We can't overlook anyone—even LSU, with their current record—because they are fully capable of taking advantage if we don’t come ready to play." The importance of this win lies not just in the score, but also the lessons learned as they prepare for the tough challenges lying ahead this season.