Alabama Pulls Away From Sam Houston in Season Opener
No. 20 Alabama beat Sam Houston 96-74 in Tuscaloosa on November 3, opening its season with a strong second half led by London Jemison and Drew Fielder.
Alabama overcame a sluggish start from three-point range to defeat Sam Houston 96-74 on November 3 at Coleman Coliseum. The Crimson Tide forced 23 turnovers and used a decisive second-half surge to secure the season-opening win for both teams.
Jemison and Drew Fielder each scored 15 points for Alabama. Freshman Tarris Bouie added 13 in his college debut, while Amari Allen had 12. Seven Alabama players scored at least eight points.
The Tide led 40-29 at halftime, then scored the first points of the second half and expanded the margin. Alabama pushed its lead to 30 on a Fielder layup with 12:40 remaining. The team finished with 17 steals and 10 blocks, turning Sam Houston’s 23 turnovers into 33 points. Alabama committed 10 turnovers.
Sam Houston stayed within reach early behind Jacobe Coleman, who scored 16, and Justin Begg, who had 13. Alabama missed its first seven three-point attempts, and its rebounding also remained a concern: the Bearkats held a 45-42 edge on the boards.
Aden Holloway was unavailable as he serves a five-game ban after a drug-related arrest in March; the charges were subsequently dismissed. The Tide next hosts Arkansas State on Friday, while Sam Houston is scheduled to host Howard Payne on Saturday.