close
close
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.

Tide 100.9 logo

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.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men’s basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.

Alabama ends the regular season with a beatdown of Auburn

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Alabama beats LSU 42-13 in Death Valley

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Alabama rallies to win against Arkansas State

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Alabama basketball dominates in season-opening win

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Alabama beats Memphis in a charity exhibition

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Alabama’s homecoming is excluded from Missouri

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Alabama’s disappointing loss to Tennessee

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Alabama outlasts South Carolina

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Alabama stunned by Vanderbilt in Nashville

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Alabama defeats Georgia with a thrilling 41-34 win

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Crimson Tide floods Camp Randall

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Alabama’s 42-16 victory over South Florida

Gallery photo credit: Wyatt Fulton

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *