TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Despite struggling with their shooting, Alabama secured a decisive victory over Kent State with a score of 81-54 on Sunday. The Crimson Tide, ranked sixth, relied on a strong defensive effort and rebounding to maintain control of the game, even as they battled turnovers and poor shooting percentages.
Mark Sears topped the scoring for Alabama with 16 points, although he contributed to the team’s downfall by recording five turnovers. Notably, six of his points came from the charity stripe. Aden Holloway added 13 points and three steals, showcasing his defensive prowess alongside solid scoring. Alabama’s rebounding advantage was significant, highlighted by Clifford Omoruyi’s 14 rebounds and Grant Nelson’s 12, contributing to a commanding 20-rebound differential.
On the other side, Kent State had three players—VonCameron Davis, Marquis Barnett, and Delrecco Gillespie—each scoring nine points, but they struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game.
Key observations from the match include Kent State’s struggle to capitalize on their offensive rebounds. With 16 offensive boards, they matched the highest total allowed by Alabama this season, resulting in 14 second-chance points. Conversely, Alabama’s offensive woes continued to plague them, as they turned the ball over 19 times, amplifying a trend that has seen them average over 12 turnovers per game, marking them as one of the least efficient teams in the SEC.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred midway through the first half when Alabama managed to stifle Kent State’s offense for almost six minutes, during which the Golden Flashes missed 10 straight shots. This scoring drought permitted Alabama to extend their lead to 16 points, establishing a cushion that remained throughout the contest, never dipping below 12.
Statistically, Alabama capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, attempting 35 free throws compared to just 13 from Kent State. This disparity not only placed several Kent State players in foul trouble but also allowed Alabama to maintain a comfortable margin, despite their subpar shooting performance.
Looking ahead, Kent State will have a week to prepare for a non-conference home game against Heidelberg. Meanwhile, Alabama will also take a break before facing South Dakota State on December 29 in their final non-conference matchup of the season.