No. 2 Alabama Dominates UNC Asheville in Season Opener
The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team, ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP Poll, opened their season in dominant fashion with a convincing win over UNC Asheville, doubling up on the Bulldogs in an impressive 94-47 victory.
Playing at Coleman Coliseum on Tuesday night, Alabama demonstrated why they’re considered one of the top teams in the nation, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive tenacity.
From the opening tip, Alabama set a high tempo, quickly establishing a lead that they would only continue to widen throughout the game. Their relentless energy on both ends of the court left UNC Asheville struggling to find any offensive rhythm. Sophomore guard Mark Sears led the way for the Crimson Tide, tallying 22 points along with five assists, setting the tone for a well-rounded team performance. Freshman phenom Caleb Holt, making his highly anticipated debut, didn’t disappoint, putting up 18 points and energizing the crowd with his versatility and athleticism.
Alabama’s shooting from beyond the arc also proved lethal, with the team collectively making 12 three-pointers on the night. Junior forward Noah Clowney was a significant contributor, hitting four of those shots from deep, while also grabbing nine rebounds and providing stout defense in the paint. Alabama’s depth was on full display, as every player who stepped onto the court scored, reflecting the balanced approach Head Coach Nate Oats has emphasized during the offseason.
On the defensive side, the Crimson Tide was just as dominant. Alabama’s length and agility on the perimeter smothered UNC Asheville’s attempts to get into any offensive flow, forcing 17 turnovers and converting those into fast-break opportunities. The Bulldogs struggled to break through Alabama’s full-court press, often settling for contested shots or long-range attempts that failed to connect. By halftime, Alabama held a 45-22 lead, leaving little doubt as to the game’s outcome.
Coach Oats praised his team’s performance after the game, noting their execution and intensity on both ends of the court. “We played with the kind of energy and discipline we want to see every night,” Oats said. “It’s a great start, but we know this is just one game, and there’s a lot of season ahead of us.”
With a solid first win in the books, Alabama now sets its sights on a challenging non-conference schedule that includes matchups against other nationally ranked opponents. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Alabama can continue building on their early momentum as they aim for a deep postseason run.
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