It took a few starters for Max Scharnowski to figure out where to stand. The Alabama basketball senior forward was tasked with greeting the team’s starters during introductions, and for the first two, he was standing on the wrong side of the fog machine in Coleman Coliseum.
Eventually, Scharnowski figured out the issue and took several steps backward. Fortunately for Alabama, that was the only noticeable issue in the Crimson Tide’s opening-night 105-73 drubbing of Morehead State.
“I thought our guys played well,” Alabama coach Nate Oats said. “We were able to play basically all 11 healthy scholarship guys, which was nice in the first game.”
Newcomer Grant Nelson led the way for Alabama in his first game with the Tide since transferring in from North Dakota State. He finished with a team-leading 24 points, including a massive dunk in the second half, and also led with seven rebounds.
“Playing at a mid-major, it’s nothing like this,” Nelson said after the game. “Fan base is crazy. Hopefully we can fill the stands a bit more, besides the student section, but it was great.”
The Tide came out blazing hot, scoring the first nine points of the game and cruising from there. Alabama was led in the first half by newcomer Aaron Estrada, who finished the first frame with 14 points and the game with 16.
Alabama’s offense showed off its firepower throughout the first half. The defense had a few lapses, but not enough to matter significantly.
The two teams headed to the locker room with Alabama up 55-35. The Tide shot 58.6% from the field in the first half, and forced 10 turnovers defensively.
Around Coleman, all the signs of a new season were in place. The hard hats were back, and a student won a $200 barbecue gift card for sinking a shot from half-court during a timeout.
The new president of the Crimson Chaos student section, Jacob Pickle, received his plaid jacket from a group including athletics director Greg Bryne and Pamela Ratliff, mother of late Alabama hoops superfan Luke Ratliff. Brandon Miller, now of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, was in the house.
Basketball was back.
Alabama got right back to work after halftime. By the time the under-16 timeout rolled around, the Crimson Tide was up 67-45.
At the under-12, it was 74-50. The Eagles barely had a chance.
“Nate did an unbelievable job,” Morehead State coach Preston Spradlin said. “So many players, I think 10 new players this year, and still able to stick to their identity of how they want to play and did a really nice job.”
Riley Minix led Morehead State in the loss with 19 points. Jordan Lathon added 14.
Freshman Jarin Stevenson saw his first action in the game, and looked impressive in the second half. He showed off some shooting touch and finished with 12 points.
“He showed everything he’s capable of in about a four-minute stretch,” Oats said. “Tough finish at the rim, couple threes he hit. He’s gonna be huge for us this year.”
Mark Sears had 13 points and led Alabama with five assists. He tied with Stevenson for second on the team with five rebounds.
The night ended with the Alabama student section chanting “we want walk-ons”, along with the numbers of said walk-ons as time ticked away. Alabama moved to 1-0 on the season with the win.
Alabama will be back in action Friday against Indiana State in Coleman Coliseum.