Despite all of the distractions this week for Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team, they were able to overcome and take care of Hofstra 90-70 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Super sophomore Labaron Philon led the way for the Crimson Tide, sniffing a triple-double with a smooth 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The Pride didn’t make it easy for Alabama either. Hofstra held the lead for the majority of the first half before a mini run by the Tide before the half gave Alabama a 37-35 lead going into the break.
Taylor Bol Bowen Stepped Up For Alabama
Junior forward Taylor Bol Bowen stepped up in a big way for Coach Oats and Alabama, collecting 15 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Bol Bowen, a Florida State transfer, has struggled to find his role on this Alabama team this season, but he may have found it coming off the bench and knocking down three of his five 3-point shots on the day.
If Alabama can continue to get this type of play from Bol Bowen, the Tide could make a lot of noise in March Madness.
Amari Allen With a Big Second-Half
True freshman Amari Allen has been in a bit of a slump to close out the regular season for the Tide, and that continued in the first half on Friday.
The SEC All-Freshman didn’t let his slow start get to him, though. Allen would flurry for 11 second-half points and also pulled down 5 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.
Allen’s biggest impact came on the defensive end, where he helped play a major role in limiting Hofstra star guard Cruz Davis.
At 6-foot-8 and athletic, Allen provides defensive versatility, which could help the Tide down the stretch.
Aiden Sherrell Flexes For the Tide
Sophomore big Aiden Sherrell imposed his will against Hofstra on Friday, delivering an impressive stat line of 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 30 minutes of action.
With depth in the front court being an issue for Nate Oats and Alabama, the Crimson Tide will have to depend on the talented Sherrell to not only protect the paint but also to continue to provide the Tide with an offensive presence in the post.
Part of what makes Sherrell such an interesting player is his ability to knock down the outside shot. The 6-foot-10, 250-pound big man was able to hit two of his six 3-point attempts to help boost the Alabama offense.
Who and When Does Alabama Play in the Round of 32?
Next up for Oats and Alabama is a date with Texas Tech on Sunday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The winner will move on to potentially No. 1 seed Michigan in the Sweet 16.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Alabama Rolls Past Hofstra 90-70 in NCAA Tournament Opener appeared first on Heavy Sports.