Alabama basketball edged past Creighton 83-75, overcoming a late surge from the Bluejays. The Tide, ranked No. 7, built a strong lead early, thanks to Mark Sears’ stellar performance. He scored 27 points on 12-for-22 shooting and added six rebounds, maintaining his team’s edge even as Creighton pushed back in the second half.
Key Takeaways:
1. Mark Sears’ Leadership: Sears was the standout, scoring efficiently and stepping up in crucial moments. Labaron Philon added 16 points, providing valuable support in the backcourt.
2. Strong Start, Shaky Finish: Alabama began with dominant runs, including a 13-0 stretch, but struggled to close out the game cleanly. Creighton’s resilience, led by Steven Ashworth’s 20 points and nine assists, exposed Alabama’s defensive lapses in crunch time.
3. Rebounding and Defense: Alabama excelled on the boards, with G. Nelson grabbing 10 rebounds, but defensive inconsistencies allowed Creighton to claw back. Improvement in stopping late-game momentum will be key as the season progresses.
The Tide’s victory, marked by high-level offense and timely plays, reflects their potential but also underscores areas for growth against top-tier opponents.