The Alabama men’s basketball team wrapped up their preseason with a 96-88 victory over the Memphis Tigers in the Rocket City Classic at the Von Braun Center, with proceeds supporting the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Mark Sears led the Crimson Tide with 20 points, while PJ Haggerty scored 32 for Memphis. Coach Nate Oats acknowledged areas for improvement in turnovers and defense but praised the opportunity to give younger players valuable minutes.
Key stats included a double-double from Clifford Omoruyi, 17 assists dished out by Alabama, and strong three-point defense limiting Memphis to just 7% shooting from beyond the arc. The first half saw Alabama take an early lead despite shooting 35% from the field, eventually outscoring Memphis to lead by 10 at halftime. The Tide continued to dominate in the second half, with back-to-back threes extending their lead to 20.
Looking ahead, Alabama will kick off the regular season against UNC Asheville on November 4 at Coleman Coliseum. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU. Despite the victory, Coach Oats emphasized the need for improvement before the regular season begins. The Crimson Tide’s performance in the Rocket City Classic provided valuable insights and opportunities for growth as they gear up for the upcoming season.
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Photo credit rolltide.com