TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday night, Mark Sears contributed 27 points as No. 7 Alabama managed to fend off a late surge from Creighton, securing an 83-75 victory.
Sears, a senior guard, not only led the scoring but also added six rebounds and four assists to his impressive performance. He played a crucial role in Alabama’s shooting from long range, sinking two 3-pointers in the final six minutes and finishing with a shooting line of 8 for 15 overall, including 4 of 7 from beyond the arc, highlighting a mostly challenging night for the team, who collectively struggled with 6 for 30 (20%) from three-point territory.
Freshmen Labaron Philon and Derrion Reid supported Sears with solid performances, adding 16 and 12 points, respectively, as Alabama improved to 8-2 on the season.
For Creighton, Jackson McAndrew ignited late in the game, scoring 13 of his 16 points in the closing six minutes, ensuring that the Bluejays (7-4) remained competitive throughout the final stretch. Steven Ashworth was Creighton’s top scorer with 20 points, while Ryan Kalkbrenner contributed 18 points along with seven rebounds.
Key takeaways include Creighton’s struggle on the road, as this was their first away game of the season. They faced an early 14-point deficit midway through the first half but managed to cut the deficit to six by halftime and again reduced the gap to six in the final minutes of the contest.
Despite only scoring four points, Alabama’s Grant Nelson made an impact on the boards with 10 rebounds, helping secure a win over a power conference opponent.
A significant moment in the game came when Alabama converted its last eight free throws, all within the final four minutes, to preserve their lead. They showcased solid free-throw shooting, finishing the game at 77.2% (17 for 22) after entering with a 72.8% average.
Statistically, Alabama dominated the offensive boards, grabbing 17 offensive rebounds which translated into 14 second-chance points.
Looking ahead, Alabama will face North Dakota on Wednesday, a significant game for Nelson, who hails from North Dakota. Meanwhile, Creighton will kick off their Big East campaign against Georgetown on the same day.
