Saturday night in Coleman Coliseum marked the start of SEC play for the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the program welcomed one of the conference’s newest members – the Oklahoma Sooners – to town.
Oklahoma also came to Tuscaloosa ranked as a Top 25 team nationally, as well as undefeated at 13-0 overall on the season. However, this would not matter to the Crimson Tide, as Alabama controlled this game from the very start on their way to an impressive 107-79 victory.
Here are some instant reactions to the Crimson Tide’s impressive victory over Oklahoma, which was Alabama’s fourth different 100-point performance of the season.
Alabama’s strong first half defensively
Alabama carried a commanding 48-31 lead into halftime Saturday night, and a big reason as to why was their performance defensively. In all, Alabama held Oklahoma to only a combined 35.3% shooting from the field, as well as 1-of-8 from three-point range, and out-rebounded the Sooners overall, 28-17.
Mark Sears surpasses 1,500 point mark
During the Crimson Tide’s victory Saturday night, guard Mark Sears became the latest Alabama player to surpass 1,500 career points in Tuscaloosa. The guard is the 18th player in program history to do so, and finished the game with a double-double at a team-high 22 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals.
1,500 Points for the Tide 🪣
Mark Sears becomes the 18th player in program history to score 1,500 points. #RTR pic.twitter.com/HPpGI1gPyh
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) January 5, 2025
Alabama dominates the boards
One of the biggest advantages for the Crimson Tide on Saturday night came via rebounding, as Alabama completed dominated that aspect of the game. In all, Alabama out-rebounded Oklahoma a combined 50-27, which included a 22-9 advantage on the offensive glass.
Alabama now 12-2 overall, 1-0 in SEC
In conclusion, Alabama handed Oklahoma their first loss of the season, and as a result now sit at 12-2 overall for the season, as well as 1-0 in SEC play. The Crimson Tide’s next game comes Jan. 8 at South Carolina.