The Alabama men’s basketball team secured a solid 88-68 victory over South Carolina in their first SEC road game of the season. Despite some struggles with free throws, the Crimson Tide demonstrated strong offensive play, particularly in the first half. Key players like Mark Sears and Aden Holloway played pivotal roles in maintaining the lead throughout the game. The matchup also featured former Alabama player Nick Pringle, who had a mixed performance for the Gamecocks.

Strong First Half Sets the Tone for Alabama

In the opening period, Alabama quickly established its dominance through efficient shooting and aggressive play inside the paint. The Crimson Tide's offense heated up early, especially from beyond the arc, where they shot an impressive 55% in the first half. This success was complemented by their ability to score in the paint, contributing significantly to their sizable lead at halftime. Mark Sears led the charge with 16 points, while center Clifford Omoruyi added eight points in just nine minutes of play. Despite some early struggles with free throws, Alabama averaged a robust 1.406 points per possession in the first half, setting a commanding tone for the rest of the game.

Alabama's offensive prowess was evident right from the start. The team's shooters found their rhythm early, making key three-pointers that helped build momentum. By halftime, the Crimson Tide had amassed a substantial 45-28 lead, thanks to a combination of effective perimeter shooting and strong interior play. While free throws were a minor setback, the overall offensive efficiency more than compensated. The contributions from Sears and Omoruyi were crucial, as they not only scored but also facilitated multiple scoring runs, ensuring Alabama maintained control of the game.

Second-Half Resilience Keeps Alabama Ahead

Although the main scorers cooled off after halftime, guard Aden Holloway emerged as a critical figure in maintaining Alabama's lead. When South Carolina attempted to close the gap, Holloway responded with a flurry of scoring plays, including a layup, two jumpers, and a three-pointer within a span of three minutes. His timely contributions ensured that the Gamecocks never gained significant traction. As the game progressed, other players like Sears regained their form, but Holloway's impact in the second half was indispensable.

After the break, the Crimson Tide faced a challenge as their leading scorers from the first half slowed down. However, Aden Holloway stepped up brilliantly, almost single-handedly thwarting South Carolina's comeback attempts. Over five possessions early in the second half, Holloway delivered four baskets, showcasing his versatility and clutch ability. His 13 points, with 11 coming in the second half, proved vital in sustaining Alabama's lead. Although the team's shooting accuracy dipped in the latter part of the game, Holloway's performance provided the necessary spark to keep the momentum going. Eventually, other players like Sears resumed scoring, but it was Holloway's contribution that kept Alabama ahead and secured the win.