Alabama men's basketball has faced its fair share of road tests, and one recent game against North Dakota showcased both the team's struggles and its ability to come out on top. In this article, we'll delve into the details of this exciting matchup and the key takeaways.

Alabama Basketball's Homecoming Drama and Victory

Sloppy Start on the Road

The first half of the Alabama-North Dakota game was a tale of turnovers and missed shots. Sears' out-of-bounds throw at the end of the half, following 13 turnovers and a 0-for-8 start from deep, gave North Dakota a 38-35 lead. Alabama struggled to find its offensive rhythm, going just 3-for-12 overall in the first half. These early stumbles allowed North Dakota to stay in the game and gave the Crimson Tide a tough battle to overcome.

It was clear that Alabama needed to address its turnover issues in the second half. Despite finishing with 14 turnovers overall, the team managed to turn things around and secure the victory. But those first-half mistakes set the tone for the game and made it a close call until the final minutes.

Treysen Eaglestaff gives Alabama all kinds of problems

Treysen Eaglestaff, a native of Bismarck, North Dakota, was a thorn in Alabama's side. He made play after play and shot after shot, especially in the second half when Alabama seemed to be pulling away. After Alabama took a 64-55 lead with 10:57 left, Eaglestaff led North Dakota's charge back, scoring four consecutive buckets, two of them from deep.

His shooting was remarkable, as he went 15-for-30 from the field and 8-for-18 from deep, finishing with a career-high 40 points. Eaglestaff's performance showed just how dangerous he could be and how Alabama had to work hard to contain him.

Grant Nelson with double-double in homecoming

Grant Nelson, a native of Devils Lake, North Dakota, had a standout performance in his homecoming. After transferring from North Dakota State last season, Nelson scored to break an 85-85 tie with just two minutes left. He then grabbed a defensive rebound and drew a foul, hitting his free throws to give Alabama a four-point lead with 90 seconds remaining.

His efforts were crucial in helping Alabama close out the victory. Nelson finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks, showing his all-around game and his importance to the team. His double-double was a highlight of the homecoming and a testament to his skills.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.