Alabama Handles Fighting Hawks in Coleman Coliseum

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama men's basketball, led by head coach Nate Oats, returned to the hardwood on Monday in a season opener against North Dakota, a team that, surprisingly, gave the Crimson Tide a fight last season when the two teams played in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Now, the Fighting Hawks returned the Tide's trip from a season ago, and faced the new-look Alabama men's basketball on Monday night inside Coleman Coliseum.

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Alabama would be without its leaders from the last two seasons, with Mark Sears and Grant Nelson playing in the NBA after exhausting their eligibility during the Tide's second-straight Elite Eight run last season. Leading the way for Alabama would be a familiar face, however, with sophomore guard Labaron Philon returning after starting at point guard for Alabama a season ago.

In the first half, Alabama sophomore guard Labaron Philon showcased why he might be one of the best players in college basketball this season, scoring 15 points on 6-7 from the field and 2-for-2 from three-point range, while adding seven assists in 18 minutes played in the first half.

In addition to Philon, Alabama saw multiple three-pointers made by Amari Allen, a true freshman from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was the Tide's second-leading scorer, with eight points in the first half. Alabama was also without Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Keitenn Brisotw, and Jalil Bethea for the opening game against North Dakota. In his pregame interview with the Crimson Tide Sports Network, Alabama basketball head coach Nate Oats said all but Bethea are expected to be back before Alabama takes on St. John's on Saturday.

The second half was a bit sloppier from the Tide, with a significantly lower percentage from three-point range and more fouls. However, the Crimson Tide had already built up a significant lead and didn't have to worry much about the Fighting Hawks' comeback attempt. Alabama made plays in critical moments. Just when North Dakota thought they might have a chance to claw their way back into the game, Alabama would go on a hot streak, making five of seven shots and pushing the lead back into the mid-20s range, keeping the arm extended and not allowing good players, like Eli King, to will their team back into the game.

Alabama improves to 1-0 on the season with the 91-62 victory over North Dakota. Alabama's next game will come inside Madison Square Garden, when the Crimson Tide takes on St. John's, led by head coach Rick Pitino, on Saturday, November 8.

Alabama Stat Leaders

Points: Labaron Philon - 22 points
Rebounds: Houston Mallette - 8 rebounds
Assists: Labaron Philon - 8 assists

Alabama Players in Double-Digit Points

Labaron Philon - 22 points
Houston Mallette - 14 points
London Jemison - 12 points
Amari Allen - 12 points

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_.