Alabama's basketball team embarked on a remarkable journey on Wednesday as they ventured over 1300 miles to face the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. This special showcase was a test for the No. 6 ranked Crimson Tide, who started the game with some early struggles but managed to secure a hard-fought 97 - 90 road win, marking their third consecutive victory.

Alabama Basketball's Road Battle - A Clash of Titans

Slow Start but a Comeback

The Crimson Tide began the game slowly, turning the ball over an astonishing 13 times in the first half. This early miscue seemed to put them on the back foot, but they showed remarkable resilience. In the second half, they found their rhythm and launched an 11 - 0 run, taking control of the game against their Summit League opponents. After trailing by three at halftime, they demonstrated their ability to turn things around.This turnaround was highlighted by their shooting in the second half. They made their first four three - point shots, with Jarin Stevenson, Mark Sears, and Labaron Philon leading the charge. In contrast, in the first half, the Crimson Tide combined to miss their first eight three - point attempts. This shift in shooting ability was crucial in securing the victory.

North Dakota's Fight

Despite Alabama's second - half surge, North Dakota never gave up. Guard Treyson Eaglestaff led all scorers with 40 points, making eight of 18 from beyond the arc. It was an impressive performance that showed the Fighting Hawks' fighting spirit. Eli King scored only eight points but made a crucial 3 - point shot with 2:15 remaining to tie the game, adding to the excitement. However, it was as close as they could get to pulling off a historic upset.

Local Hero Grant Nelson

The matchup was made even more special with the presence of Devils Lake product, Alabama forward Grant Nelson. He played exceptionally well in front of his friends and family, leading the Crimson Tide in scoring with 23 points, along with 10 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. In the game's final 90 seconds, he scored six points and secured three rebounds, ensuring a victorious return to his home state.

Mark Sears' Impact

Mark Sears had an outstanding night for the Crimson Tide, tying Nelson's scoring lead with 23 points. He also contributed five assists, three rebounds, and two steals. His performance was aided by two of Alabama's newest contributors, Houston Mallette and Chris Youngblood, who each scored in double figures and made two three - point shots each.

Homecoming and Next Steps

After this road victory, Alabama now returns home for two more games to close out their non - conference action. They will take on Kent State in Coleman Coliseum on Sunday at 12 p.m. CT. These final games will provide an opportunity for the team to continue to develop and determine their roster rotation.See Also:A Look Into Alabama Football’s 2025 Roster on The Joe Gaither ShowGrant Nelson Opens Up About Return to North DakotaAlabama Basketball Using Final Non - Conference Games To Determine Roster Rotation