LAS VEGAS — In a thrilling matchup of ranked teams, No. 9 Alabama triumphed over No. 6 Houston, winning 85-80 in overtime during the opening night of the Players Era Festival. Mark Sears was the standout player for Alabama, contributing 24 points to the victory.

The game took a dramatic turn late in the second half when Alabama, who previously held an eight-point lead with just under nine minutes remaining, allowed Houston to rally and tie the game, forcing overtime. In the additional period, Alabama managed to outpace the Cougars 7-2, securing the win.

Houston’s LJ Cryer was the game’s top scorer, matching his career-high with 30 points. However, he had a crucial opportunity to clinch the win for his team but missed a baseline jumper with only two seconds left on the clock.

Supporting Alabama’s efforts, Grant Nelson provided a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Mouhamed Dioubate notched 10 points and pulled down 16 rebounds. For Houston, Emanuel Sharp posted 14 points, and J’Wan Roberts contributed 11.

There were several key takeaways from the game. For Alabama, this marked their third consecutive contest against a Top 25 opponent. Following a loss to No. 13 Purdue, the Tide secured a win against then-No. 25 Illinois prior to their matchup with Houston. As for the Cougars, Sharp had entered the festival boasting an impressive 73.3% shooting rate from beyond the arc, leading the Big 12 Conference and ranking second nationally. However, against Alabama, he struggled, making only 2 of his 6 attempted three-pointers.

A pivotal moment occurred towards the conclusion of overtime when, with the score at 84-80 in favor of Alabama, Houston’s Joseph Tugler attempted to drive to the basket. His shot was blocked by Alabama’s Derrion Reid. A foul was subsequently committed by Roberts on Reid, who converted one out of two free throws, widening the gap to five points and solidifying Alabama’s win.

A noteworthy stat from the game highlighted Alabama’s aggressive approach at the free-throw line, where they attempted 41 shots and successfully made 30 of them. Houston, meanwhile, struggled with fouls, with five players accumulating four or five fouls, leading to both Sharp and Milos Uzan fouling out.

Looking ahead, Alabama will face Rutgers in the tournament’s second round, while Houston is set to battle Notre Dame.