Alabama falls to Oregon in the Player’s Era Championship

The Alabama Crimson Tide fell just short of the Player’s Era Festival Championship, falling to the Oregon Ducks 83-81 in the title game.

It wasn’t a pretty loss for the Ducks. Although Alabama outscores Oregon in total rebounds (44-39), three-point percentage (32-29%), second-chance points (16-13) and assists (21-19), Alabama is hopeful for the prize of $1 million. The winner only came in the final seconds when the Crimson Tide gave their star players Mark Sears and Grant Nelson a decisive shot. As time expired, Sears passed to Nelson and Alabama’s 6-foot-10 big man couldn’t get the shot out of his hands in time to tie the game, even though the ball went through the basket, and Alabama fell to Oregon.

However, the Crimson Tide’s loss was not without controversy, as Alabama received a goaltending penalty that automatically counted a basket for Oregon, which made the difference. Oregon took advantage of a turnover by Grant Nelson, and Jarin Stevenson ran down the field to track Oregon’s offensive attack and block the shot. The official called it “goalie,” and the questionable call saw Oregon take a 77-75 lead over Alabama and never look back.

The big negative news for Alabama basketball is the lack of production from its best player, Mark Sears. Sears shot 1 of 11 from distance and just 3 of 14 from the field for a total of 11 points in the contest. Sears was the Crimson Tide’s leading scorer last season, and his production level hasn’t been the same so far in 2024.

Additionally, Alabama’s evening got even worse when shooting guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. left the game after suffering a non-contact injury to his left leg on the court that left him writhing in pain. When Wrightsell was escorted off the field by medical staff, he did not put any weight on his left leg.

In Nate Oats’ postgame press conference, the news grew increasingly dire: “They’re worried about his hamstring, which obviously wouldn’t be good,” Oats said. “As soon as we get back, they’ll have him examined.”

Are there any positives to take away from the Crimson Tide’s loss to the Ducks?

First, Jarin Stevenson may have found his groove again.

Stevenson was 0-for-17 on three-pointers early in the game. On Saturday night, he shot 75% from distance and was the second-leading scorer for Alabama with 11 points behind Labaron Philon, who had 15.

If Wrightsell is to miss an extended period of time, or even the entire season, Stevenson will need to take on a larger role on defense and from three-point range.

Statistics guide

Points: Labaron Philon – 15
Rebounds: Labaron Philon, Grant Nelson – 7
Supports: Clifford Omoruyi – 6

Players who score in double figures for Alabama

Labaron Philon – 15
Mark Sears – 11
Jarin Stevenson – 11
Aden Holloway – 11
Latrell Wrightsell Jr. – 10

Alabama is 6-2 on the young season. The Crimson Tide’s next contest is December 4th in the SEC/ACC Challenge when Alabama travels to Chapel Hill, North Carolina for a date with the Tar Heels. The start date is set for 6:15 p.m. CT.