TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Crimson Tide, powered by a deep backcourt, ran away with its season opener, defeating UNC Asheville 110–54.

SEC Preseason Player of the Year Mark Sears’ 20-point performance was no surprise, but the No. 2 ranked Tide showcased a level of backcourt depth that is sure to be a weapon down the road. Nate Oats’ backcourt combined for 44 points in the win, with four guards in double figures.

Auburn transfer and former McDonald’s All-American Aden Holloway scored 11 points in his debut and finished tied for the best +/- at +39.  

“That’s pretty impressive,” said Alabama Head Coach Nate Oats. “Questions that came up in practice, maybe in exhibitions where you needed him to be a better defender and needed him to take care of the ball. I thought he was pretty good on defense, took care of the ball and we know he can shoot it.”

Newcomer Labaron Philon had 10 points and 9 assists against the Bulldogs, but his defense might be what earns him the most playing time from Oats. Philon tacked on a trio of steals and 2 blocks in his 24-minute starting role with Alabama.

“He established himself as one of the best two-way guards in the program,” Oats said. “We weren’t sure how many minutes he was going to play when we got him, but within the first month of him being here in the summer we knew he was going to be in the rotation… He’s gonna be very good, I think he’s got a chance to play at the next level.”

Latrell Wrightsell added 13 points, including 9 in the second half.

An answer at center

Alabama seems to have found its answer for paint presence in Rutgers transfer Clifford Omoruyi. Omoruyi was perfect in his debut, scoring 16 points (6-6), added 8 rebounds and a pair of blocks.

One glaring hole in the program’s first-ever Final Four team was the lack of a true shot-blocking threat, one that the team hoped to fill with the acquisition of the Rutgers star. While his role is going to be different given Alabama’s fast pace, Oats hopes to see continued efficiency.

“We’re gonna try to limit his minutes, to a lot less than what he played at Rutgers, just because our pace is so much faster and he needs to be super explosive in his minutes,” Oats said. “There are games that he’ll play more than 19 minutes… I don’t know that I’m gonna expect 16 and 8 in 19 minutes every night… it doesn’t get much more efficient than that.”

Taking what’s given

Alabama only took 18 threes in their season opener, down from the usual three-point barrage that Oats’ teams have been known for. During his tenure in Tuscaloosa, his teams have averaged roughly 30 attempts per game.

Monday night’s lack of attempts isn’t a sign of a mindset shift, according to Oats, but more-so a proof-of-concept for Alabama’s ability to score where given the opportunity.

“Look, we’ll take 50, we’ll take 18 [threes]. Whatever the defense is giving us, we’re gonna take. We’re gonna try to be the most efficient team in the country.”

According to TeamRankings.com, Alabama finished last season second in offensive efficiency. The only team ranked above them was the UConn Huskies, who defeated Purdue in the NCAA title game to bring home the program’s sixth national championship.

Up next

Alabama will return to action in Coleman Coliseum against Arkansas State on Friday night, with tip set for 7:00 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.