TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Mark Sears’ 24 highlighted a dominate win by No. 22 Alabama over the Mercer Bears on Friday night in Tuscaloosa.
The senior guard from Muscle Shoals, Ala. scored 19 of his 24 points in the first half, and was an efficient eight-for-ten from the floor in the half. It is becoming a theme of his, after scoring 17 points in the first half against Indiana State a week ago, and 13 points in the first half against South Alabama on Monday.
“He’s gotten a lot better at making reads. He ended up six assists and only one turnover tonight,” Head Coach Nate Oats said.
It was a different style of game in that first half for Alabama, as they only attempted eight threes and looked to drive the ball more. This lead to a highly efficient 79 percent from the field, and 32 points in the paint, compared to just 12 by Mercer. That performance in the first half lead to the Crimson Tide jumping out to a 56-29 lead going into halftime.
“We’re gonna take whatever the defense gives us, if we can drive downhill and shoot 79 percent from the field…we’ll take 59 points, 79 percent,” Oats said.
The second half was a little more sloppy for Alabama. The team shot 40 percent from the field, including just 18 percent from three. The seven turnovers were up from just four in the first half, and Alabama won the second half 42-38 because of that.
“I don’t think we did a great job in the second half…we did not close the game great,” said Oats.
Aside from those negatives, there were a couple good performances in there. Nick Pringle had eight points on four-of-five shooting in the second half. Aaron Estrada also scored eight in the period, and after some early foul trouble, found his grove toward the end.
“I’m trying to be as coachable as I can…be a consistent player for the guys I’m on the court with,” said Pringle, who finished with 14 points.
Another big point on emphasis for Alabama after this game has been the defense. The Crimson Tide have held their last two opponents to under 70 points, and only one team has scored 80 on the team all year. When the offense plays to this level, having the defense hold teams below that mark will be crucial.
Alabama will also get tougher tests over the next few games. Ohio State is next on the schedule in the Emerald Coast Classis on Friday Nov. 24, and then Clemson comes into Tuscaloosa on the 28th in what should be a really good early season test. There will be one game in between those two, but Alabama is yet to know which of Oregon or Santa Clara they will play.
“Ohio State is going to be tough, there going to guard us much better than we’ve been guarded,” said Oats. “Our defense is going to have to improve,” he added.
Even with the struggle in the second half, Alabama looks like they will be a real threat in the SEC, and with more early season tests on the way, the Crimson Tide should be in a prime position to improve their play over the course of the season.
