Photos from Alabama’s season-opening win over UNC Asheville

Alabama opened the 2024-25 season Monday night with a win over UNC Asheville.

In what was the 2024-25 season opener for the program, the No. 2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide opened the year in a big way Monday night inside Coleman Coliseum with a 110-54 route of the UNC Asheville Bulldogs.

This was an all-around impressive showing from the Crimson Tide where they never trailed during the win. Alabama also saw impressive games from the likes of Mark Sears and Clifford Omoruyi, as well as numerous others in what was a near complete performance for the Crimson Tide.

Here are some of the best photos from Alabama’s season-opening victory over UNC Asheville on Monday night:

Instant reactions to Alabama’s season-opening win over UNC Asheville

The Crimson Tide rolled to 1-0 on Monday night against UNC Asheville.

The Alabama Crimson Tide opened the 2024-25 college basketball season in a big way Monday night in Tuscaloosa, defeating the visiting UNC Asheville Bulldogs by a final score of 110-54.

A dominant performance from the nation’s No. 2 team, Alabama simply had the control of this game from start-to-finish Monday night inside Coleman Coliseum, never trailing at any point.

Here are some instant reactions to Alabama’s impressive win in their season opener:

Alabama Crimson Tide own the glass

Alabama had a big advantage on the glass Monday night, out-rebounding the Bulldogs a combined 54-29. A majority of those came on the defensive glass where they held a 40-15 advantage.

Alabama Crimson Tide’s efficient first half

The Crimson Tide carried a commanding 50-29 lead into halftime Monday night, and a big reason as to why was Alabama’s efficiency shooting the ball. In all, Alabama shot 62.1% from the field in the first half, while the Bulldogs shot only 29.4%, with the Crimson Tide also finishing the game with a 63.3% mark altogether.

Alabama Crimson Tide’s versatility and depth on display

We knew going into this season that this could be one of the deepest teams that Nate Oats has had at Alabama, and the Crimson Tide showed that in this game. Alabama had 10 total players see significant minutes, and used many different lineups throughout the game.

Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears shines

Alabama guard Mark Sears had a phenomenal start to his 2024-25 season in the victory Monday night. Sears finished with a combined stat line of 20 points, three rebounds, and one assist, while also knocking down three-of-four three-pointers.

This Alabama Crimson Tide team can beat anyone

Yes, the level of competition will certainly get tougher going forward, but it’s clear that this Alabama team is legit. The Crimson Tide have what it takes to defeat any team in the country, with their depth and versatility a big reason as to why.

Alabama 2024-25 Opponent Preview: UNC Asheville Bulldogs

Alabama will open the 2024-25 season Monday night against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs.

Basketball season has now officially arrived for the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the program gets set to begin their run to the Final Four on Monday when the program hosts the UNC Asheville Bulldogs to open the 2024-25 season.

The season-opener for both teams, Alabama will be a massive favorite over UNC Asheville on Monday night, especially with this game being at home. However, just what are the Bulldogs bringing to Tuscaloosa to face the No. 2 ranked team in the nation?

Here is everything you need to know about the UNC Asheville Bulldogs:

UNC Asheville Bulldogs Team Overview

  • Team Name: UNC Asheville Bulldogs
  • Conference: Big South
  • Arena: Kimmel Arena, Asheville, North Carolina
  • 2023-24 Record: 22-12 overall (12-4 in Big South)
  • Ranking: Unranked in AP Poll, Unranked in Coaches Poll

The UNC Asheville Bulldogs are a member of the Big South Conference that finished last season at 22-12 overall, as well as 12-4 in conference play. UNC Asheville is also two years removed from one of the greatest seasons in the program’s history in which they made a NCAA Tournament appearance at 27-8 overall.

UNC Asheville Bulldogs Coaching Staff

  • Head Coach: Mike Morrell
  • Assistant Coach: Neil Dixon
  • Assistant Coach: Woody Taylor
  • Assistant Coach: Justin Levine

The Bulldogs are led by head coach Mike Morrell, who will be entering his seventh season at UNC Asheville. Morrell holds a combined record of 95-88 as the head coach at UNC Asheville, as is coming off back-to-back 20+ win seasons.

UNC Asheville Bulldogs 2023-24 Stats

  • PPG: 78.9 (No. 51 in NCAA)
  • PPG Allowed: 73.1 (No. 218 in NCAA)
  • FG%: 46.5
  • 3P%: 36.5
  • FT%: 74.2
  • RPG: 34.8
  • APG: 15.7
  • SPG: 6
  • BPG: 4.3

The Bulldogs were a solid offensive team a year ago, finishing nearly in the Top 50 nationally in points per game at 78.9, and was also one of the nation’s top free throw shooting teams, ranking No. 11 with an average of 17.4 makes per game. UNC Asheville however was not necessarily as good defensively allowing 73.1 PPG to opponents.

UNC Asheville Bulldogs Names to Know

  • Josh Banks, Guard – Fifth-Year Senior
  • Fletcher Abee, Guard – Fifth-Year Senior
  • Toyaz Solomon, Forward – Senior
  • Jordan Marsh, Guard – Sophomore
  • Sage Tolentino, Forward – Redshirt Sophomore

UNC Asheville’s roster is headlined by a pair of returning double-digit scoring guards from last season in Josh Banks and Fletcher Abee, both of which are fifth-year seniors. The Bulldogs also added a few transfers this past offseason, a list that includes guard Jordan Marsh from Appalachian State.