In another high-scoring Southeastern Conference matchup on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide secured a 103-87 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama’s offense was led by freshman guard Aden Holloway and sophomore forward Mouhamed Dioubate, each contributing 22 points. Dioubate also achieved his second career double-double by adding 10 rebounds. Graduate guard Mark Sears played a pivotal role, scoring 21 points and providing seven assists. Forwards Grant Nelson and Jarin Stevenson added 10 points each, contributing to the team’s balanced scoring.
The Crimson Tide demonstrated offensive efficiency, shooting 56.3% from the field. Their defense also played a crucial role, limiting the Commodores to 38.8% shooting. Alabama maintained control for the majority of the game, leading for the final 34 minutes and 5 seconds. The lead remained in double digits throughout the second half, underscoring Alabama’s dominance.
Vanderbilt’s efforts were highlighted by forward Jason Edwards, who scored 21 points, and forward Tyler Nickel, who added 19 points. Center Devin McGlockton contributed a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds, marking his fourth of the season. Despite these individual performances, the Commodores faced challenges in overcoming Alabama’s potent offense.
The game saw Alabama’s lead extend to 19 points in the first half, but Vanderbilt narrowed the margin to 11 early in the second half, thanks to Nickel’s three consecutive three-pointers. However, Alabama responded with a decisive run, including two three-pointers from guard Chris Youngblood, reestablishing a 22-point lead. Vanderbilt managed to reduce the deficit to eight points late in the game, but Alabama’s consistent scoring secured the win.
Alabama’s head coach, Nate Oats, praised his team’s performance, stating, “Solid win over an improved Vanderbilt team. I thought our defense in the first half was pretty good, but it completely fell apart in the second half, which is a little bit disappointing for a team that’s trying to go after a championship. We’ve got to be a lot better than that.”
This victory improved Alabama’s record to 16-3 overall and 5-1 in SEC play. The Crimson Tide will next face the LSU Tigers on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.