Alabama Rolls In Opener, 96-74
The Tide had four players in double figures in defeating the Sam Houston Bearkats on Tuesday night
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - November 3: In their season opener, the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Sam Houston Bearkats 96-74 at Coleman Coliseum. Coach Nate Oats started a starting five that included Amari Allen, Qayden Samuels, London Jemison, Drew Fielder, and Brandon Garrison. Sam Houston fielded Jacobs Coleman, Justin Begg, Enel St. Bernard, Aidan McDowell, and Cheikh Ndiaye.
Alabama's size advantage was evident as they led only 6-2 at halftime, with the Tide shooting just 42% from the field and 27% from beyond the arc. Freshman Jaxon Richardson made a highlight reel dunk to give the Tide a 13-7 lead by the end of the first half. The Tide continued to dominate in the second half, scoring in the paint and from long range, pushing the lead to 90-61 with just 3:50 remaining.
Key contributors included Drew Fielder with 15 points and six rebounds, Jemison with 15 points on six shots, and Bouie with 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. However, Oats was dissatisfied with the team's rebounding and late-game defense, particularly allowing Sam Houston to hit 10 three-pointers in the second half.
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