TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In an impressive display of skill, Mark Sears led the way with 22 points and 10 assists as No. 5 Alabama triumphed over No. 12 Oklahoma with a commanding score of 107-79 during the Southeastern Conference opener for both squads on Saturday night.

Grant Nelson contributed notable support with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Labaron Philon added 16 points to the mix, and Clifford Omoruyi chipped in with 10 points. The victory improved Alabama’s record to 12-2, marking their first conference win at 1-0.

The Sooners, who were previously unbeaten and are now 13-1 with a conference record of 0-1, were led in scoring by Jalon Moore, who tallied 20 points. Sam Godwin supported the effort with 15 points, and Jeremiah Fears managed to bounce back from a rough first half to finish with 16 points, despite starting 0-for-8 from the field. Kobe Elvis and Miles Duke each added 10 points to the scoreboard.

In terms of key statistics, Alabama showcased dominance particularly in second-chance points, securing 25 compared to Oklahoma’s four. The Crimson Tide also excelled in scoring from within the paint, netting 56 points, and had a significant bench contribution with 38 points, while the Sooners could only muster five.

Oklahoma’s struggles in the first half were evident, as they shot only 12 of 34 from the field and a disappointing 1 of 8 from beyond the arc. Although they improved to shoot 53% in the second half, including 4 of 15 from three-point range, the damage had already been done.

A crucial moment in the game occurred during the first half when Alabama launched a decisive 15-6 run. During this stretch, Alabama’s shooting was stellar at 7 of 9 while Oklahoma faltered at 1 of 9, allowing the Crimson Tide to stretch their lead from five points to 14 by halftime, ending the period at 48-29. Throughout the second half, Alabama maintained at least a 19-point lead.

Alabama’s success on the boards was also a significant factor, as they out-rebounded the Sooners 51-26, with Nelson leading the charge with his 11 rebounds and Omoruyi adding another seven. The Crimson Tide recorded an impressive total of 22 offensive rebounds.

Looking ahead, Alabama is set to face South Carolina in their next game on Wednesday night, while Oklahoma will host No. 13 Texas A&M on the same night.