PHOENIX – The Alabama men’s basketball team fell to No. 4/4 Arizona, 87-74, Wednesday night in the Hall of Fame Series contest which was played at the Footprint Center in Phoenix.

Grant Nelson paced the Crimson Tide (6-5) with 17 points while Sam Walters added 15 off the bench. Mark Sears collected 12 points, six steals and six rebounds while Aaron Estrada had 11 points and a team-leading six assists in the loss.

Wednesday night’s contest marked the Tide’s third consecutive game against an AP top-10 opponent. Alabama began the stretch by playing then-No. 2 Purdue (lost 92-86) on Dec. 9 followed by taking on then-No. 8 Creighton (lost 85-82) last Saturday.

Oumar Ballo led the Wildcats (9-1) with 16 points and 12 rebounds to top four Arizona players in double figures.

Head Coach Nate Oats Postgame Comments

“Another good game against a quality team. We just weren’t good enough. I thought we played pretty well in the first half. It was a big point of emphasis for us to keep them off the free throw line and the rebounding battle. In the first half, we did a good job of both things. In the second half, they shoot 27 free throws and we shoot eight, so we didn’t do a good job of keeping them off the line. We didn’t do a good job of keeping them off the glass either. It didn’t help that we didn’t shoot the ball well and turned the ball over too much. I thought their physicality bothered us. They are a tough, physical team. We have to be more mentally tough when stuff is not going on our way and we are missing shots. We have get back and play defense.”

Team Stats

• It marked the first time that Alabama has played three consecutive top-10 opponents in non-conference action
• Alabama was outrebounded, 48-38, on the night and falls to 0-3 this season when losing the battle of the boards
• The Tide struggled shooting the ball from deep, hitting just 8-40 (20 percent) from beyond the arc
• Alabama led for 21:52 of the contest while Arizona only held the lead for 13:22
• Arizona owned a 22-4 edge in fast break points
• The contest featured nine ties and seven lead changes throughout

First Half

• Alabama began the game on a 9-0 run and held Arizona without a field goal until the 14:42 mark
• The Crimson Tide went on to hold the lead for all but 1:49 of the half but it was the Wildcats that took a 41-40 lead into the locker room
• Sam Walters led UA with 12 points with Mark Sears and Aaron Estrada adding seven apiece
• Alabama struggled from the floor, hitting just three three-pointers (3-22) and shooting 31 percent (11-35) in the opening stanza

Second Half

• After an opening bucket by Arizona, the Tide went on a 10-0 run thanks in large part to a pair of three-pointers from Grant Nelson to give UA a seven-point lead, 50-43, with 16:26 left to play
• The Wildcats went on a 21-4 run, including scoring 14-straight points, over the next 8:17 to take control of the contest at 64-54 with just over eight minutes remaining
• Arizona’s aggressiveness on the offensive end resulted in the Wildcats going 19-27 from the charity stripe in the second stanza while the Tide connected on just 7-8 in comparison

Up Next

• Alabama returns to action Saturday afternoon when it hosts Eastern Kentucky inside Coleman Coliseum
• Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m. CT and will be televised on SEC Network

For all the latest information on the team, follow AlabamaMBB on X, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can be found @UA_Athletics on X and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook.

Auburn – Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze spoke Wednesday of the new additions to the Auburn football program. “I’m excited about this class. We focused on the high school class; we wanted them to know they are our priority. We did not chase everyone in the portal who could play, and there are a lot that could, because we were committed to our high school class and establishing a true rebuild here at Auburn.

“Our receiver class and our linebacker class have to be two of the tops in the country. We’ll go from here to fill in the missing pieces that we did not land.

“I really believe in the young men we’ve signed and the families they come from. I love these kids; I think they want to help the program reestablish itself as one of the elite programs in the country, and I’m excited to get a lot of them here soon and go to work.

“Making our first class here a Top 10 class was our goal. That’s how you start to build a program that is able to stack itself and create competitiveness on the roster. We had to close the gap to get into the battles for some of the top guys, and we did that by building relationships. I’m very thankful for the efforts of so many people who contributed to what was a large task.”

D.J. Barber (LB, 6-0, 230; Clay-Chalkville HS; Birmingham, Ala.): Do-everything linebacker with a high football IQ … totaled 152 tackles with 2 sacks, 8 TFL, 2 forced fumbles and an interception as a senior team captain … led the Cougars to the Class 6A state championship under Coach Drew Gilmer … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … 145 tackles as a junior, including 12.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 2 interceptions … three-year first team all-state ... state champs his sophomore season … four stars from Rivals and top 16 prospect at his position … ranks among top 40 prospects in Alabama by 247Sports, On3, ESPN … A-B Honor Roll … also a basketball and baseball letterman

Malik Blocton (DL, 6-4, 280; Pike Road HS; Pike Road, Ala.): Dominant defensive line prospect who registered 118 tackles (school record), 30 TFL, 14 sacks as a senior for Coach Granger Shook at Pike Road High … career stats: 323 tackles, 45 sacks (both school records) … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … second team all-state as a junior … four stars from Rivals, 24/7 … ESPN, On3, 247Sports, Rivals ranks him among top 25 prospects in state of Alabama … leadership council and honor student … also a basketball letterman … brother of Auburn defensive lineman Marcus Harris

J.R. Buckner (LS, 6-0, 235; Auburn HS; Auburn, Ala.): Hard-working long snapper with strong potential … special teams captain for Coach Keith Etheredge at Auburn High … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … National Honor Society, FCA, Junior Civitan … also a tennis and track and field letterman

Bryce Cain (WR, 5-11, 165; Baker HS; Mobile, Ala.): Fast, fluid wide receiver with plenty of upside … 69 receptions for 1,445 yards and 21 TD in just two seasons of football for Coach Steve Normand at Baker High … 7A regional leader with 43 catches for 948 receiving yards as a senior … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … four stars from On3, 247Sports, Rivals, ranking him among the top 15 prospects in the state of Alabama … also a baseball and track letterman

Dre Carter (OL, 6-5, 340; Mater Dei HS; Temecula, Calif.): Outstanding offensive line prospect who projects among the nation’s best on the interior … three-year starter at left tackle for Mater Dei High … helped the Monarchs under Coach Frank McManus capture the CIF state open division title as a senior … All-American Bowl … Polynesian Bowl … Max Preps All-American … three-time all-state and four-time all-Trinity League … OCVarsity Hot 150 … four stars from On3, Rivals, 247Sports, ESPN … ESPN ranks him the top O-line prospect nationally; top 10 from Rivals, On3, 247Sports … honor roll student

Cam Coleman (WR, 6-3, 190; Central HS; Phenix City, Ala.): Explosive receiver with speed and acceleration … 61 receptions for 1,372 yards and 18 scores as a senior … led Coach Patrick Nix’ Central High Red Devils to the Class 7A state championship … 73-yard TD reception in the title game to earn MVP honors … team captain … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game invitation … 31 catches gained 542 yards with 6 scores as a junior … AL.com A-List … Maxwell Award offensive semifinalist … Max Preps All-American … consensus five-star rating … rated as top recruit in Alabama by On3, 247Sports, Rivals … ESPN ranks him the top WR prospect nationally … also a basketball letterman

Jay Crawford (DB, 6-0, 190; Parkview HS; Lilburn, Ga.): Outstanding cover corner who ranks among the top prospects in Georgia … three-year starter for Coach Joe Sturdivant at Parkview High … team captain … Under Armour All-American … GACA North-South Game … Gwinnett Super Six … all-state, all-district, all-county and all-region … four stars from Rivals and ESPN, which rate him among the top 20 corner prospects nationally … also a track and basketball letterman

Kaleb Harris (DB, 6-1, 190; Thompson HS; Alabaster, Ala.): Skilled safety with great physical versatility … accomplished defender and team captain for Coach Mark Freeman at Thompson High … 130 tackles, 15 TFL, 4 interceptions, 6 PBU, 4 fumble recoveries as a senior leading the Warriors to the Class 7A state finals … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … part of state championships teams as a freshman, sophomore and junior … Rivals rates him among top 25 prospects in Alabama

Gage Keys (DL, 6-5, 290; Kansas; Hilliard Davidson HS; Hilliard, Ohio): Transfer defensive lineman from the Kansas Jayhawks … had 21 tackles, 4 QB hurries last fall, playing in every game … played 2020-22 at Minnesota, seeing action in seven games in 2022 … playing at Hilliard Davidson High for Coach Brian White, recorded 60 tackles, 20 TFL as a senior … No. 22 ranked recruit in Ohio and No. 34 ranked strong side defensive end in the country by 247Sports … also a basketball letterman

A’mon Lane-Ganus (DB, 5-11, 185; Moody HS; Moody, Ala.): Determined defender with speed and strength … played at Moody High as a junior and senior for Coach Jake Ganus … team captain … first team Class 5A all-state as a junior, recording 55 tackles, 9 PBU … injury hampered his senior campaign … Under Armour All-American … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … four stars from ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports … top 25 safety prospect nationally by 247Sports, ESPN … state finalist as a sprinter

Robert Lewis (WR, 5-11, 185; Georgia State; Newton HS; Covington, Ga.): Transfer receiver from Georgia State … set GSU single-game record with 220 receiving yards vs. Charlotte on just six catches; 97-yard reception was also a school record … third team all-Sun Belt in 2023 … in 32 career games played for the Panthers, 90 receptions for 1,019 yards, 10 TD … Athletic Director’s Honor Roll … Class 7A all-state selection for Coach Camiel Grant Jr. at Newton High ... first-team all-Region 8-7A … career totals of 62 catches for 1,238 yards and 16 TD for the Rams … brother Akeem Hunt played at Purdue and in the NFL

T.J. Lindsey (DL, 6-5, 270; IMG Academy; Little Rock, Ark.): Promising defender who spent his senior season at IMG (Fla.) Academy playing for Coach Billy Miller … as a junior, helped Bryant (Ark.) High to a 12-0 season and fifth-straight state title … two-time Class 7A all-state … 205 career tackles, 26 sacks, 4 forced fumbles … four stars from Rivals … ESPN, Rivals rate him among top 25 recruits at his position nationally … also a basketball letterman

Kensley Louidor-Faustin (DB, 6-0, 175; Naples HS; Naples, Fla.): Versatile defensive back with great instincts … 65 tackles, 5 interceptions, 12 PBU as a senior for Coach Rick Martin at Naples High … All-American Bowl … 3s/4s player of year … SW Florida defensive player of year finalist as a junior, recording 42 tackles, 5 interceptions for the Golden Eagles … all-area and three-time all-region … career totals: 209 tackles, 9 TFL, 17 interceptions, 31 PBU, 8 forced fumbles, 5 fumbles recovered … four stars from On3, Rivals, which rank him among the top 50 overall recruits from Florida … National Honor Society … also a track and field and basketball letterman

Dorian Mausi Jr. (LB, 6-2, 235; Duke; Detroit Jesuit HS; Detroit, Mich.): Transfer linebacker from Duke where he was a two-year starter … in 44 games played (2020-23), totaled 193 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 4 PBU … Academic all-ACC … played four years at University of Detroit Jesuit High for Coach Matthew Lewis, making two playoff appearances ... team captain, defensive player of the year, two-time all-city selection, and all-Catholic pick ... 2019 Detroit Free Press first team all-state … consensus three-star prospect by ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals 

Keaton McNutt (LS, 5-11, 210; East Coweta HS; Newnan, Ga.): Talented long snapper with excellent consistency … GHSA Region 2-7A specialist of the year for Coach John Small at East Coweta High … 5-star rating from Kohl’s kicking … also plays lacrosse

Joe Phillips (LB, 6-2, 240; Booker T. Washington HS; Shorter, Ala.): Well-rounded pass rusher with excellent play speed … as a senior, recorded 130 tackles, 28 TFL, 7 sacks, 20 QB hurries and 5 forced fumbles for Coach Lawrence O’Neal as team captain at Booker T. Washington High … also rushed for 420 yards and 5 TD, leading the Golden Eagles to the Class 4A state semifinals … career totals: 212 tackles, 22 sacks … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … AL.com A-List … four stars from Rivals, On3, 247Sports, ESPN, which rate him a top 10 recruit from Alabama … National Honor Society … also a basketball letterman, advancing to the state finals as a sophomore, and played baseball, track and soccer

Demarcus Riddick (LB, 6-3, 220; Chilton County HS; Clanton, Ala.): Sideline-to-sideline defender with all the tools … totaled 92 tackles, 12 TFL, 3 sacks, an interception and a defensive touchdown as a senior captain for Coach Marvin Morton at Chilton County High … All-American Bowl … one of 12 national semifinalists for high school Butkus Award … 109 tackles, 19 TFL, 7 sacks as a junior … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … AL.com A-List … Clanton Advertiser defensive player of year … four stars from On3, Rivals, 247Sports, ESPN, which all rate him among the top five LB recruits nationally … also a basketball and baseball letterman and a state qualifier in javelin and long jump

Laquan Robinson (DB, 6-3, 195; Holmes CC; Greenville HS; Greenville, Ala.): Top-rated juco safety who is a proven playmaker … first team all-MACCC North defender for the Holmes CC Bulldogs recording 49 tackles, an interception and 7 PBU … started playing football in high school at Greenville High for Coach Josh McLendon … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … top-ranked juco safety nationally by On3, 247Sports, ESPN … also a basketball letterman

Malcolm Simmons (WR, 6-0, 180; Benjamin Russell HS; Montgomery, Ala.): Athletic receiver prospect with explosive skills … team captain who led Coach Smitty Grider’s Benjamin Russell High Wildcats to the Class 6A quarterfinals and regional title … 60 receptions for 1,439 yards and 24 TD as a senior; also scored 8 rushing TD … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … four stars from On3 and Rivals … ranked among the top 25 recruits in Alabama by ESPN, 247Sports, On3, Rivals … also a basketball letterman and state long jump and high jump champion as a junior

Perry Thompson (WR, 6-4, 215; Foley HS; Foley, Ala.): Physical receiver with unlimited potential … played offense, defense and special teams for the Foley High Lions and Coach Deric Scott … on offense, caught 53 passes for 718 yards and 7 TD, completed 5-6 passes for 93 yards and 2 TD and rushed for 102 yards and a TD as a senior … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … 87 catches for 1,059 yards, 9 TD as a junior, earning first team all-state honors … AL.com A-List … five stars from 247Sports … rated among top five overall recruits in Alabama by 247Sports, On3, ESPN, Rivals … also a state sprint qualifier in track

Jamonta Waller (Edge, 6-2, 235; Picayune Memorial HS; Picayune, Miss.): High-energy defender who plays with a purpose … MHSAA/MAC Class 6A Mr. Football … team captain who led Coach Cody Stogner’s Maroon Tide into the South state finals as a senior after back-to-back state titles … 69 tackles, 9 sacks, 22 TFL, 2 forced fumbles and a blocked punt as a senior … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … first team all-state … Under Armour All-American … Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen … 106 tackles, 24 TFL, 11.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries as a junior … five stars from ESPN … 247Sports and ESPN rate him the No. 1 overall recruit in Mississippi … also a basketball letterman

Walker White (QB, 6-4, 220; Little Rock Christian Academy; Little Rock, Ark.): Accomplished quarterback with a resume of success … three-year starter for Coach Eric Cohu at Little Rock Christian Academy … team captain who passed for 2,660 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior, leading the Warriors to the Class 6A state championship game … offensive player of year and all-state … career passing: 6,837 yards, 80 TD; also rushed for 30 scores … All-American Bowl … four stars from Rivals, On3, 247Sports, ESPN … Rivals and ESPN rate him among the top five QB prospects nationally

Seth Wilfred (OL, 6-6, 305; Snow College; Bishop Gorman HS; Mitchell, Neb.): Talented offensive lineman transferring from Snow College, where he spent the 2023 season … NJCAA All-American … rated among the top five juco O-line recruits by ESPN, 247Sports, On3 … played for the Bishop Gorman Gaels in Las Vegas his senior season … originally from Mitchell, Neb., where he played at Mitchell High … also a letterman in track and field and wrestling

Amaris Williams (DL, 6-3, 260; Clinton HS; Clinton, N.C.): Strong and skilled defensive line prospect … 20 of his 40 tackles as a senior were for loss, with 11 sacks, along with 700 yards rushing and 12 rushing TD … led Coach Cory Johnson’s Dark Horses to the Class 2A state title game with a 15-1 record … All-American Bowl … Maxwell Award defensive semifinalist … four stars from ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports, On3 … 247Sports rates him the top overall recruit in North Carolina … also a state finalist in the shot put and a basketball letterman

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama football announced the addition of 23 student-athletes to its 2024 recruiting class on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.

The 23 high school signees come from nine states and two countries – Alabama (9), California (3), Florida (2), Texas (2), Georgia (1), Missouri (1), North Carolina (1), Pennsylvania (1) and Tennessee (1), along with Germany (1) and Canada (1).

Listed by position, the Crimson Tide added to its roster – four defensive backs, four linebackers, three offensive lineman, three defensive lineman, three athletes, two wide receivers, two tight ends, a quarterback and a running back.

Among the 23 players added during the early signing period are:

• Two signees that are five-star prospects (Jaylen Mbakwe, Julian Sayin) and 18 players that are four-star athletes by at least one of the following: 247Sports, 247Composite, On3, On3 Consensus, Rivals.com and/or ESPN.com
• 15 newcomers that were ranked in the ESPN300: Jeremiah Beaman, Zabien Brown, Sterling Dixon, Jameer Grimsley, Aeryn Hampton, Amari Jefferson, Cayden Jones, Jaylen Mbakwe, Steve Bolo Mboumoua, Caleb Odom, Casey Poe, Kevin Riley, Julian Sayin, Rico Scott, Peyton Woodyard
• 11 players in the Top247: Jeremiah Beaman, Zabien Brown, Jameer Grimsley, Amari Jefferson, Jaylen Mbakwe, Caleb Odom, Casey Poe, Kevin Riley, Jayshawn Ross, Julian Sayin, Peyton Woodyard
• 14 players who were listed on the Rivals250: Jeremiah Beaman, Zabien Brown, Sterling Dixon, Jameer Grimsley, Aeryn Hampton, Amari Jefferson, Jaylen Mbakwe, Rydarrius Morgan, Caleb Odom, Casey Poe, Kevin Riley, Jayshawn Ross, Julian Sayin, Peyton Woodyard

2024 Alabama Football Recruiting Roster (Alphabetical)

Name                           Pos.     Ht.        Wt.       Hometown/Previous School

Jeremiah Beaman         DL        6-4        265       Birmingham, Ala./Parker

Zabien Brown                DB       6-0        180       Santa Ana, Calif./Mater Dei

Sterling Dixon               LB        6-3        211       Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort

Isaia Faga                     DL        6-2        275       Phenix City, Ala./Central

Jameer Grimsley           ATH      6-3        185       Tampa, Fla./Tampa Catholic

Aeryn “Bubba” Hampton   ATH      5-10      175       Daingerfield, Texas/Daingerfield

Joe Ionata                     OL        6-5        294       Clearwater, Fla./Cavalry Christian

Amari Jefferson            WR       6-0        200       Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School

Cayden Jones               LB        6-4        210       Arden, N.C./Christ School

Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.          DB       5-11      192       Gadsden, Ala./Gadsden City

Jay Lindsey                   TE        6-5        235       Butler, Ala./Patrician Academy

Jaylen Mbakwe             ATH      5-11      170       Pinson, Ala./Clay-Chalkville

Steve Bolo Mboumoua  DL        6-4        275       Quebec, Canada/Notre Dame de Foy

Rydarrius “Red” Morgan    DB       6-0        175       Phenix City, Ala./Central

Caleb Odom                 TE        6-5        215       Carrollton, Ga./Carrollton

Justin Okoronkwo         LB        6-3        215       Munich, Germany/Therese von Bayern School

Casey Poe                    OL        6-4        290       Lindale, Texas/Lindale

Kevin Riley                    RB        5-11      195       Northport, Ala./Tuscaloosa County

Jayshawn Ross             LB        6-4        220       Kansas City, Mo./Liberty North

Will Sanders                  OL        6-3        290       Brookwood, Ala./Brookwood

Julian Sayin                  QB       6-1        195       Carlsbad, Calif./Carlsbad

Rico Scott                     WR       6-0        185       Harrisburg, Pa./Bishop McDevitt

Peyton Woodyard         DB       6-2        188       Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco

JEREMIAH BEAMAN

DL, 6-4, 265, Birmingham, Ala./Parker

A local product who is considered one of the more dominant defensive linemen in the country … earned a five-star rating by PrepStar … listed at No. 61 on PrepStar’s Top 150 Dream Team and the outlet’s No. 11 defensive lineman … a four-star prospect and considered a top-10 player at his position by all the other major recruiting outlets … listed by On3 as the No. 9 player at his position, No. 5 overall player from Alabama and the 73^rd-rated recruit in the nation … On3 Consensus’ No. 74 player in the nation … also ranked at No. 10 for defensive linemen and the No. 7 recruit from Alabama … ranked as the No. 6 player from the state by the 247Composite, which also listed him at No. 71 nationally and the No. 11 defensive tackle … No. 106 on the Rivals Top 250 list and is considered the 11^th-best defensive end in the nation and No. 6 player in the state by the site … No. 118 on the ESPN300 list … also listed as the site’s No. 56 prospect in the Southeast Region and the eighth-rated tackle … selected to the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas … coached by Frank Warren at A.H. Parker High School … an all-state performer who was chosen to compete in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game … chose Alabama over Auburn and Clemson.

ZABIEN BROWN

DB, 6-0, 180, Santa Ana, Calif./Mater Dei

Considered one of the top corners in this recruiting cycle … the nation’s third-ranked corner and a five-star prospect according to PrepStar Magazine … listed at No. 40 on PrepStar’s Top 150 Dream Team … a four-star prospect by all other major recruiting outlets and recognized as a top-five cornerback in the country ... ranked No. 40 on the Rivals Top 250 while also listed as the No. 4 corner nationally and No. 9 player from California … 247Sports’ third-ranked corner, the No. 4 recruit from California and No. 45 player at any position … No. 61 in the country and the No. 5 cornerback and fifth-rated player from California according to the 247Composite … the No. 6 corner, the No. 4 player in the state and No. 52 overall prospect on the On3 Consensus … No. 128 on the ESPN300 list … also tabbed the No. 18 player in the West Region by ESPN … selected to the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas … coached by Frank McManus at Mater Dei High School ... chose Alabama over in-state USC along with Georgia, Michigan and Ohio State.

STERLING DIXON

LB, 6-3, 211, Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort

One of the premier pass rushers in the country … ranked as a four-star prospect by all major recruiting outlets … a Top-300 All-American by PrepStar Magazine, which lists him at No. 13 overall in his position group … rated by the On3 Consensus at No. 12 on the edge, the No. 9 player in Alabama and the No. 163 prospect overall … On3’s 10^th-ranked linebacker, the No. 10 player in the state and the No. 174 talent nationally … No. 163 on the Rivals Top 250 list … also rated as the No. 9 outside linebacker and No. 12 player in the state by Rivals … No. 244 on the ESPN300 … the No. 29 defensive end and No. 114 prospect in the Southeast Region by ESPN … ranked No. 183 in the country on the 247Composite list … also tabbed as a four-star signee, the No. 12 edge rusher and No. 11 player from Alabama on the Composite … coached by Chase Smith at Spanish Fort High School … tabbed the 2022 Class 3A Lineman of the Year in Alabama, leading the state in tackles (172) and sacks (18)…chose Alabama over Auburn, LSU and Miami.

ISAIA FAGA

DL, 6-2, 275, Phenix City, Ala./Central

Interior defensive lineman with great power and speed that transitions to the next level … a four-star recruit according to both PrepStar and On3 … rated as a three-star by all other recruiting outlets … ranked as the No. 24 defensive lineman and No. 14 player in the state of Alabama by On3 … listed at No. 30 for his position and a Top-300 All-American according to PrepStar … ESPN’s 22^nd-rated player out of the state who is also the No. 28 defensive lineman and No. 204 player in the Southeast Region  … ranked on the 247Composite as the No. 54 defensive lineman and No. 28 prospect in Alabama … 247Sports’ No. 41 player in Alabama … coached by Patrick Nix at Central High School … chose Alabama over Auburn, Texas and Utah.

JAMEER GRIMSLEY

ATH, 6-3, 185, Tampa, Fla./Tampa Catholic

Blue-chip prospect who provides the Crimson Tide with terrific athleticism and speed … a standout on both sides of the ball during his prep career … earned a four-star rating across all major outlets … the ninth-ranked corner and a four-star prospect by PrepStar … the magazine also listed him No. 182 on its Top 300 All-American list … the sixth-ranked athlete in the recruiting cycle according to Rivals.com … listed at No. 220 on the Rivals Top 250 list and the No. 36 player out of the talent-rich state of Florida … ranked No. 14 in the state, No. 15 at his position and No. 99 nationally by On3 … the No. 25 player coming out of Florida by 247Sports and the No. 17 player on the 247Composite … No. 266 on the ESPN300 list … also ranked 25^th at cornerback and No. 124 in the Southeast Region by ESPN … coached by Jeris McIntyre at Tampa Catholic High School … was also a standout sprinter on the TCHS track team … chose Alabama over Florida State, Michigan and Penn State.

AERYN “BUBBA” HAMPTON

ATH, 5-10, 175, Daingerfield, Texas/Daingerfield

Versatile athlete from the talent-rich state of Texas who boasts explosive speed at the corner position … a consensus four-start prospect and top-50 player out of the Lonestar State … No. 153 on the Rivals Top 250 list … also tabbed the No. 5 athlete and No. 26 recruit from Texas by Rivals … ESPN.com’s No. 31 player in Texas, the No. 38 recruit in the Midlands Region and the No. 204 player on the ESPN300 … rated the No. 16 athlete by 247Sports … the 12^th-rated athlete and No. 37 player out of Texas by the 247Composite … rated as the No. 9 athlete and No. 40 player from Texas by the On3 Consensus … coached by Seth Hubbard at Daingerfield High School …selected as the 2022 District 11-3A MVP … caught 55 passes for 1,161 yards and 13 touchdowns on offense while racking up 57 tackles, including five tackles for loss, and adding two forced fumbles and three interceptions as a junior… chose Alabama over Texas and Michigan.

JOE IONATA

OL, 6-5, 294, Clearwater, Fla./Calvary Christian

An active blocker who has the ability to get to the second level when run-blocking while also providing a pocket in pass protection … father, Joey Ionata, was an All-American offensive lineman at Florida State … rated as a four-star prospect by On3 … listed as the No. 15 interior offensive lineman, No. 33 player from Florida and No. 262 prospect nationally by On3 … ranked as the No. 28 offensive guard in the country by Rivals.com … 247Sports’ 32^nd-rated offensive lineman and the No. 59 player out of the state of Florida … also rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports and on the 247Composite … coached by Reggie Crume at Calvary Christian High School … chose Alabama over Florida and Georgia Tech.

AMARI JEFFERSON

WR, 6-0, 200, Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School

An explosive playmaker at the wide receiver position who possesses the speed to be a vertical threat … the top-ranked player from the state of Tennessee according to On3 and PrepStar … a unanimous four-star recruit by all major outlets … the 21^st-ranked receiver by PrepStar Magazine and the No. 119 player on the PrepStar Top 300 All-American list … ranked No. 16 at wideout by On3 and the site’s No. 91 prospect overall … the third-ranked play from Tennessee, No. 26 wide receiver and No. 140 player in the nation according to 247Sports … the 247Composite’s No. 4 player in the state, the No. 22 wideout and No. 153 player at any position … Rivals.com’s No. 232 player on the Rivals Top 250 list … also tabbed the No. 3 player from Tennessee and No. 37 wide receiver in the country by Rivals … ESPN.com’s fifth-ranked player in the state and the No. 110 prospect in the Southeast Region … listed as No. 236 on the ESPN300 … coached by Phillip Massey at Baylor High School … named Tennessee’s D2-AAA Mr. Football after amassing 1,401 yards and 20 touchdowns on 74 receptions in 2023 … chose Alabama over Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee.

CAYDEN JONES

LB, 6-4, 210, Arden, N.C./Christ School

Athletic linebacker with size and length on the outside … tabbed a four-star prospect by Rivals.com, ESPN.com, PrepStar and On3 along with the 247Composite and On3 Consensus ratings … the top-ranked player from North Carolina, No. 30 prospect in the Southeast Region and the No. 62 recruit on the ESPN300 according to ESPN.com … also listed as the fifth-ranked outside backer by the site … PrepStar’s sixth-ranked recruit in the state and the No. 16 linebacker in the country … the No. 9 player in the Tarheel State and No. 19 outside linebacker according to Rivals … 247Sports’ No. 15 recruit in North Carolina and the 44^th-rated linebacker in the country … the No. 18 linebacker nationally and sixth-ranked prospect in the state on the 247Composite … On3’s No. 19 linebacker overall and the site’s No. 12 player from North Carolina … selected to the Under Armour All-America Game … coached by Chad Walker at Christ School … accumulated 78 total tackles as a senior, including 11.0 for loss and four sacks … chose Alabama over Michigan, Notre Dame and USC.

DRE KIRKPATRICK JR.

DB, 6-0, 192, Gadsden, Ala./Gadsden City

Versatile athlete who excels at defensive back and in the return game … the son of former Alabama All-American corner Dre Kirkpatrick … a top-50 player in the state of Alabama who was rated as high as No. 32 by Rivals.com … also listed as the site’s No. 63 corner … the No. 33 player from the state according to On3 and the On3 Consensus … ranked as the No. 38 recruit in Alabama and the No. 73 safety nationally by ESPN.com … the No. 43 player in the state by 247Sports and the state’s No. 48 prospect on the 247Composite … coached by Ali Smith at Gadsden City High School … signed with the Crimson Tide over Auburn.

JAY LINDSEY

TE, 6-5, 235, Butler, Ala./Patrician Academy

Big-bodied tight end who stayed in the state … the No. 22 player in Alabama and No. 24 tight end in the country according to On3 … listed as the No. 30 player from the state and eighth-ranked tight end nationally by ESPN.com … PrepStar’s No. 19 tight end and the 20^th-rated player in Alabama … tabbed the No. 33 player in the state and No. 42 player at his position nationally by the 247Composite … Rivals.com’s No. 40 prospect in the state … coached by Jonathan Lindsey at Patrician Academy … signed with the Crimson Tide over Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

JAYLEN MBAKWE

ATH, 5-11, 170, Pinson, Ala./Clay-Chalkville

Explosive athlete who contributed all over the field for Clay-Chalkville … saw time at wideout, quarterback, defensive back and returner during his senior season … a five-star prospect by 247Sports, PrepStar and ESPN.com … also earned a five-star rating on the 247Composite and On3 Consensus lists … rated as a four-star recruit by On3 and Rivals.com … the second-ranked recruit overall on the ESPN300 … also tabbed ESPN’s No. 1 player in Alabama, the No. 2 corner nationally and the No. 2 player in the Southeast Region … the nation’s top-ranked athlete and the No. 2 player in Alabama by On3 and the On3 Consensus … the Consensus’ No. 17 recruit in the country and the No. 22 player nationally according to On3 … PrepStar’s top-ranked athlete and No. 4 player in the state who was also listed at No. 21 on the outlet’s Top 150 Dream Team … ranked the No. 18 prospect nationally, the No. 2 athlete and No. 2 player in the state on the 247Composite … the nation’s No. 28 player and second-ranked athlete while also being listed as the fourth-rated prospect in Alabama by 247Sports … listed at No. 39 on the Rivals Top 100 list … also tabbed as the site’s No. 3 corner overall and the third-ranked player in the state … selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game … also earned a spot in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … coached by Drew Gilmer at Clay-Chalkville High School … also ran track at CCHS … chose Alabama over Auburn and Georgia among his nearly 30 offers.

STEVE BOLO MBOUMOUA

DL, 6-4, 260, Quebec, Canada/Notre Dame de Foy

A Canadian prospect along the defensive front … rated as a four-star lineman by nearly every major outlet … the top-ranked recruit from Canada by ESPN.com, 247Sports and on the 247Composite … No. 253 on the ESPN300 and the site’s No. 30 defensive end overall … Rivals.com’s No. 22 defensive end … the No. 27 defensive lineman and a top-275 recruit overall by On3 … listed as the 38^th-ranked defensive lineman on the 247Composite … the On3 Consensus’ No. 34 defensive lineman and a top-350 recruit at any position … grew up in Cameroon, playing primarily soccer … moved to Canada where he attended Notre Dame de Foy in Quebec … signed with the Tide over Florida and Georgia.

RYDARRIUS “RED” MORGAN

DB, 6-0, 175, Phenix City, Ala./Central

Talented in-state prospect at the safety spot … a four-star recruit by nearly every major site … the No. 16 safety and No. 189 player nationally according to On3 … also listed as the 11^th-ranked player in the state by On3 … the No. 219 recruit on the Rivals Top 250 list who is also the site’s No. 18 safety and No. 12 player in the state … tabbed No. 31 at his position and the 17^th-ranked player in Alabama according to the On3 Consensus … the 39^th-ranked safety and 21^st-rated player in the state on the 247Composite … PrepStar’s No. 24 player in the state and the No. 41 safety nationally … the No. 50 safety in country and a top-270 player at any position according to ESPN.com … coached by Patrick Nix at Central High School in Phenix City … chose Alabama over Florida State.

CALEB ODOM

TE, 6-5, 215, Carrollton, Ga./Carrollton

A playmaker at tight end that possesses natural ball skills and elite athleticism for his position … a unanimous four-star recruit by all major sites … the top-ranked tight end by both On3 and the 247Composite … On3’s 27^th-ranked prospect in the country and No. 3 player from Georgia … the No. 44 prospect overall and No. 7 recruit in the state by the Composite … the second-ranked tight end, No. 46 player nationally and No. 8 recruit in Georgia according to the On3 Consensus … ranked 53^rd in the country, third at his position and seventh in the state by 247Sports … No. 76 on the Rivals Top 100 list … also rated as the site’s No. 3 tight end and No. 10 player in Georgia … the No. 71 player on the ESPN300 list … also rated as the No. 4 tight end, the No. 36 player in the Southeast Region and the 12^th-ranked prospect from Georgia … named to the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team where he was listed at No. 81 overall … also tabbed the No. 5 tight end and No. 11 player from the state by PrepStar … selected to the Under Armour All-America Game following his senior season … coached by Joey King at Carrollton High School … recorded 1,121 yards and 13 touchdowns across 64 receptions as a junior … also excelled at basketball for CHS … chose Alabama over in-state Georgia.

JUSTIN OKORONKWO

LB, 6-3, 215, Munich, Germany/Therese von Bayern School

Standout athlete with tons of upside who is just learning the game of football … an international prospect who grew up doing gymnastics and playing soccer … the top-ranked player from Germany by all major outlets … ESPN.com’s No. 14 inside linebacker and the top-rated recruit from all of Europe … listed as the 30^th-ranked outside linebacker by Rivals.com … No. 34 on 247Sports’ linebacker rankings …  a top-500 recruit overall and the 42^nd-rated linebacker according to the On3 Consensus … the No. 43 linebacker prospect by On3 … selected to the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas … born in Germany and began his playing career with club teams … signed with the Crimson Tide over Maryland, Michigan and Penn State.

CASEY POE

OL, 6-5, 290, Lindale, Texas/Lindale

Arguably the best interior offensive lineman in the nation with exceptional strength and quickness … a unanimous four-star prospect … rated as the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the nation by On3, the On3 Consensus and the 247Composite … On3 ranked him as the No. 48 player nationally and the No. 11 player in the state of Texas … No. 85 overall on the 247Composite and the No. 15 player in Texas … rated 116^th on the Rivals 250 … also listed as the site’s No. 3 offensive guard and No. 20 player in the state … listed 142^nd in the Top247, the No. 4 interior lineman and the No. 24 player in the state … No. 134 in the ESPN300 and the outlet’s No. 3 offensive guard … ESPN also ranked him as the No. 26 player in the Midlands Region and the No. 21 player in Texas … a five-star prosect by PrepStar Magazine, the No. 2 offensive guard and the No. 75 player nationally … selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game … played for head coach Chris Cochran … named to the Texas District 9-4A D-I unanimous first team as a junior in 2022 after earning first team honors as a sophomore … competed in the shot and discus, winning the 2022 Texas 4A State Championship with a throw of 57-4 in 2022 … was the 2023 Texas District 16-4A champion … chose Alabama over Oklahoma, Georgia and LSU.

KEVIN RILEY

RB, 5-11, 195, Northport, Ala./Tuscaloosa County

One of the top running back prospects in the country from the Crimson Tide’s backyard … a unanimous four-star prospect … the No. 71 player on the On3 Consensus ratings, the No. 76 prospect on the 247Composite and the No. 5 running back in the country according to both … No. 69 on the ESPN300 and the outlet’s No. 5 running back, No. 35 player in the Southeast Region and No. 7 player in Alabama … the No. 76 player nationally according to On3 … also listed as the site’s No. 5 running back and No. 6 player in the state … ranked 113^th on the Top247 list and was the No. 5 running back and the No. 9 player in Alabama … No. 142 on the Rivals 250 … also tabbed Rivals’ 10^th-ranked running back and the No. 8 player in the state … selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game and the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … coached by Adam Winegarden at Tuscaloosa County High School … rushed for 1,306 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior … chose Alabama over Arkansas, Auburn and Miami. 

JAYSHAWN ROSS

LB, 6-4, 220, Kansas City, Mo./Liberty North

A talented edge defender out of Kansas City … rated as a unanimous four-star prospect … No. 213 nationally, the No. 22 edge player and No. 6 player in the state of Missouri according to the On3 Consensus ratings … ranked No. 188 overall, the No. 20 edge rusher and the sixth-ranked player from Missouri by On3 … No. 201 on the Rivals 250 … also tabbed as Rivals’ No. 11 defensive end and the site’s No. 7 player in the state … the No. 18 outside linebacker by ESPN.com, the No. 57 player in the Midlands Region and No. 6 player in Missouri … tabbed the No. 19 edge rusher and No. 6 player in Missouri by the 247Composite … No. 230 nationally, the No. 16 edge player and the No. 6 talent from Missouri according to 247Sports … coached by Andy Lierman at Liberty North High School … recorded 23 tackles, with 11 tackles for loss and eight sacks as a senior … also caught 12 passes for 254 yards and four touchdowns … chose Alabama over Florida State, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Penn State and Tennessee. 

WILL SANDERS

OL, 6-3, 290, Brookwood, Ala./Brookwood

A powerful interior offensive lineman from right down the road in Brookwood … a four-star prospect by the 247Composite and On3 Consensus lists … the No. 328 prospect overall, the No. 21 interior offensive lineman and No. 17 player in the state by the Composite … No. 299 in the On3 Consensus … also listed as the No. 23 interior offensive lineman and No. 15 player in Alabama by the Consensus … ranked 106^th nationally, the No. 4 interior offensive lineman and the No. 10 player in Alabama by On3 … Rivals.com’s No. 20 offensive guard and No. 29 player in Alabama … the No. 30 offensive guard and a top-250 player in the Southeast Region by ESPN.com … the No. 39 offensive lineman by 247Sports and the No. 29 player in the state … participated in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … coached by Mike Bramlett at Brookwood High School … chose Alabama over LSU, NC State, Missouri and Vanderbilt.

JULIAN SAYIN

QB, 6-1, 195, Carlsbad, Calif./Carlsbad

Widely considered the nation’s top-signal caller … a unanimous five-star prospect … the No. 3 prospect on the ESPN300 … also listed as ESPN’s top-ranked dual-threat quarterback and the No. 1 player in the West Region and California … the No. 5 recruit in the country by both the On3 Consensus and the 247Composite … the No. 1 quarterback and No. 1 player in California by both sites, as well … No. 4 on the Rivals 250 list … Rivals’ second-ranked pro-style quarterback and the No. 1 player in the state … No. 7 nationally, the No. 1 quarterback and the top player in California by On3 … landed at No. 21 on the Top247 list … tabbed the No. 3 quarterback and No. 2 player in California by 247Sports … the sixth-rated recruit on the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team and the publication’s No. 2 quarterback and No. 1 player in California … selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game and the Polynesian Bowl … selected as the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Elite 11 Finals in advance of his senior season … coached by Thadd MacNeal at Carlsbad High School … completed 181-of-253 passes for 2,769 yards, 34 touchdowns and five interceptions as a sophomore … threw for 2,708 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior … as a senior, accumulated 2,347 yards and 24 touchdowns compared to just one interception … completed 158-of-212 passes and also rushed for 186 yards and four scores … led Carlsbad to their fifth straight Avocado League title … finished his high school career with 7,824 yards, 85 touchdowns and 10 interceptions … chose Alabama over Ohio State and Texas among his 25 total offers.

RICO SCOTT

WR, 6-0, 185, Harrisburg, Pa./Bishop McDevitt

A unanimous four-star prospect across all recruiting outlets … an explosive receiver who ranks 254^th on the ESPN300 … No. 304 in the On3 Consensus … also listed as the Consensus’ No. 50 receiver and the No. 5 player in the state of Pennsylvania … No. 311 nationally, the No. 49 wideout and the No. 6 player in the state according to the 247Composite rankings … 247Sports’ No. 40 receiver nationally and the No. 4 player in Pennsylvania … the No. 33 receiver, the No. 26 player in the New England Region and the third-rated player in the state by ESPN.com … listed as the No. 50 wide receiver and No. 6 in Pennsylvania according to On3 … the 77^th-rated receiver by Rivals.com … a Top 300 All-American by PrepStar and the magazine’s No. 45 wide receiver … played for head coach Jeff Weachter at Biship McDevitt High School … caught 86 passes for 1,353 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2023 with another 92 yards rushing and a score … as a junior, recorded 66 receptions for 1,184 yards and 18 scores on the way to a PIAA Class 4A state title … averaged 33.5 yards per kickoff return in 2022 … caught 25 passes for 538 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore … chose Alabama over in-state Penn State along with Auburn, Georgia and Texas A&M.

PEYTON WOODYARD

DB, 6-2, 188, Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco

A versatile and talented safety prospect out of California … a unanimous four-star prospect … No. 101 in the 247Composite … also listed as the No. 9 safety and No. 12 player from California on the Composite … the No. 107 recruit overall, the No. 7 safety and No. 11 player in the state by the On3 Consensus … the 43^rd-ranked prospect, No. 3 safety and No. 5 player in California according to Rivals.com … the No. 105 player on the ESPN300 list … also rated as the No. 6 safety, No. 15 player in the West Region and the No. 13 player in the state by ESPN … the No. 160 prospect, No. 12 safety and No. 14 player in the state by On3 … ranked 230^th on the Top247 list … 247Sports’ No. 21 safety and No. 21 player in California … selected to play in the All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowl … coached by Jason Negro at St. John Bosco … recorded 53 tackles, with one interception and seven pass breakups as a junior in 2022 … added 62 tackles as a sophomore … chose Alabama over in-state USC along with Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State.

Get all the latest information on the team by following @AlabamaFTBL on X and Facebook and AlabamaFBL on Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on X and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.

TORONTO – The Alabama men’s basketball team took one of the best teams in the country down to the wire Saturday afternoon before dropping a narrow 92-86 decision to No. 4/4 Purdue at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto.

Mark Sears had a career-night for the Tide (6-3), scoring 35 points while shooting 50 percent (8-16) from the three-point line in the losing effort. Reigning Naismith Player of the Year Zach Edey (35) and Braden Smith (27 points) combined to score 62 of Boilermakers’ (8-2) 92 points.

Head Coach Nate Oats Postgame Comments

“They (Purdue) are a really good team, they have good players. Zach Edey is the leading candidate for National Player of the Year and you can see why. He is a tough cover. We didn’t do a terrible job on him but he still had 35 points, so he makes things difficult. He gets the ball deep, he is so big and when you do double him he is pretty good at passing out of it. Then, you can’t foul him because he goes 11-11 from the free-throw line and is a good free-throw shooter. I thought our guys fought and for the most part. We executed the gameplan and I thought we just had too may errors. We have to step up to the free-throw line and make our free throws. I thought our guys battled all night. Purdue is arguably the best team in the country and they will be right there in the end. Our kids went toe-to-toe with them for 40 minutes. We just have to figure out a way to get some wins in these big games.”

Team Stats

• Mark Sears scored a game-high 35 points, his career-best in an Alabama uniform
• Sears is the first UA player to score 35 points in a game since Brandon Miller’s 41 points at South Carolina on Feb. 22, 2023
• Alabama shot 41 percent (19-46) from beyond the arc, its highest percentage from three-point range this season against a Power Five opponent
• Alabama committed 25 fouls while Purdue was called for 15 fouls
• Alabama’s frontcourt was called for a combined 14 personal fouls with Mohamed Wague and Nick Pringle both fouling out
• Purdue outscored Alabama 34-20 inside the paint
• Rylan Griffen recorded a career-high in assists (5) matched his career-high in rebounds (7)
   

First Half

• Alabama started the game on an 8-0 run and hit its first four shots from the three-point line
• The Tide’s biggest lead was 12 points, 30-18, at the 10-minute mark before Purdue responded with an 11-1 run
• The Crimson Tide made 15 total field goals in the first half, 13 of which came from beyond the arc
• UA’s 49 points in the first half was the most Purdue gave up in a half this season
• Mark Sears scored a team-high 15 points while Purdue’s Zach Edey led all scorers with 18 points

Second Half

• After Alabama started the half on a 6-0 run, forcing to Purdue to take timeout, the Boilermakers were able to cut UA’s lead to just one-point (60-59) at the 12:44-mark
• Purdue took its first lead of the game (62-59) at the 11:31-mark of the second half
• The Tide regained the lead at the 4:49 mark before Purdue regained the lead for good less than 30 seconds later

Up Next

• Alabama will return continue its road trip next week against No. 10/11 Creighton on Saturday, Dec. 16
• Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT and will be televised on FOX

For all the latest information on the team, follow AlabamaMBBon X, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can be found @UA_Athletics on X and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook.

USCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama men's basketball team will travel to Toronto, Canada, to face No. 4/4 Purdue in the Hall of Fame Toronto Series, Saturday at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.

The Crimson Tide’s (6-2) matchup against the Boilermakers (8-1) is the first of three straight matchups where Alabama will face a top-10 opponent in No. 4 Purdue, at No. 10 Creighton and vs. No. 1 Arizona (Phoenix, Ariz.).

Alabama continues to have one of the best offenses in the country, as the Tide ranks No. 2 in the country, according to KenPom. Alabama has scored 753 points (94.1 ppg), which ranks No. 2 in the country and the most in program history through the first eight games of the season, surpassing the 2000-01 team (708 points).

The Broadcast

Saturday’s game is set for a 12:30 p.m. CT tipoff and will be aired on the FOX with Jason Benetti (play-by-play) and Robbie Hummel (analyst) on the call.

The radio broadcast can be heard on the Crimson Tide Sports Network with Roger Hoover (play-by-play) and Bryan Passink (analyst) on the call, while Tom Stipe (engineer) is turning the dials. The pregame show will begin one hour prior to tipoff.

Notes You Need To Know

• Alabama head coach Nate Oats is 15-16 against AP Top-25 opponents and 5-4 against Top-10 opponents
• Oats is 3-2 against Big Ten opponents during his tenure at UA
• Alabama has scored 753 points this season, the most a UA team has scored in the first eight games of the season, surpassing the 2000-01 team (708 points)
• Alabama is one of six schools in the country that has two players on its current roster who have scored at least 1,500 points throughout their career in Aaron Estrada (1,605 points) and Mark Sears (1,512 points) 
• UA is making 22.8 free throws per contest, which ranks No. 2 in the country
• The Crimson Tide owns the No. 2 ranked offense, according to KenPom
• The Tide is averaging 94.1 points per game, which ranks No. 2 in the country
• UA has an effective field goal percentage of 58.6 percent, which ranks No. 11 in the country
• Mark Sears ranks No. 2 in the SEC in scoring (19.8 ppg), No. 4 in field goal percentage (57.1), and No. 4 in assists (4.4 apg)
• Senior transfer Grant Nelson was named to the Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List, which annually recognizes the top player in college basketball and the Karl Malone Award Watch List for the top power forward in Division I
• Alabama’s trio of Estrada, Nelson and Sears have each scored over 1,000 points throughout their college career, which is tied for the third most in the country (St. John’s & TCU with four each)

About Purdue

• Purdue has won 31-straight non-conference regular season games, the longest streak in the country. The streak will surpass three calendar years, last losing on Dec. 8, 2020, vs. Miami, Fla.
• Over the past four seasons, Purdue has 84 wins, which ranks No. 9 in Division I and right behind the Boilermakers is Alabama at No. 10 with 82 victories
• Alabama and Purdue are two of the top free throw teams in the country, as Alabama ranks No. 2 in free throws made per game (22.8) while Purdue is No. 17 (19.0)
• The Boilermakers became the first Big Ten team to be ranked No. 1 in three straight seasons. Including Purdue, there have now been nine programs to be ranked No. 1 in three straight seasons in AP poll history.
• Purdue has now started the last three seasons 8-0, 13-0 and now 7-0. It marks the fifth time under Painter that Purdue has started at least 7-0 (2023-24; 2022-23; 2021-22; 2015-16; 2009-10).
• Since the start of the 2016-17 season, Purdue has 36 wins over nationally-ranked teams, tied for the fifth-most wins nationally. Purdue is 36-29 against ranked teams during that span.

For all the latest information on the team, follow AlabamaMBB on X, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can be found @UA_Athletics on X and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama men’s basketball team (6-2) defeated the Arkansas State Red Wolves, 89-65, Monday night inside Coleman Coliseum.

The Crimson Tide led the entire game, leading by as many as 31 points (71-40) before settling for a 24-point win.

Mohamed Wague finished the contest with a season-high 12 points and seven rebounds, while Davin Cosby Jr. also recorded season highs with nine points and five rebounds.

The Red Wolves (2-7), who were coached by former Alabama assistant coach Bryan Hodgson, were led by Izaiyah Nelson with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Head Coach Nate Oats Postgame Comments

“We have been emphasizing defense and I thought it was decent in first half (but) still wasn't where we needed it to be and got worse in the second half. We're making improvements on that side of the ball. It's good to have (head coach Bryan Hodgson) back from Arkansas State. I mean, he has an entire new coaching staff. They don't have their full roster and I know how it is coming into a program the first year trying to install a system that they're not used to playing. He's in year one trying to establish, and I think he's doing a good job. For us, we needed to get this one and we need to play better on defense, and we did that. They exposed a few things that we need to work on. Our defensive rebounding needs major work before we play a tough three-game stretch that’s in front of us. So, we're going to continue to work on our defense and try to get better.”

TEAM STATS

• With his team-high 13 points on the night, Mark Sears has surpassed 1,500 career points
• Aaron Estrada (11 points) also surpassed a milestone as he now has accumulated 1,600 career points
• Alabama shot 44 percent (28-64) from the floor, 42 percent (13-31) from deep and 83 percent (20-24) from the line
• In comparison, the Red Wolves shot 34 percent (22-65) from the field, 20 percent (6-30) from beyond-the-arc and 71 percent (15-21) from the charity stripe
• The Tide led in virtually all categories including a 33-6 advantage in bench production, an 18-8 advantage in second-chance points and a 27-13 advantage in points off turnovers
• UA had five players finish in double figures

FIRST HALF

• After a pair of double-digit runs lasting over a combined six minutes, Alabama went on a 30-14 run, taking a 21-point lead (49-28) into the locker rooms
• The Tide sparked it from deep in the first half, going into the break 9-18 (50 percent) from beyond the arc
• Grant Nelson (10 points) and Mark Sears (10) led UA in scoring at the half with Sears also leading the Tide in assist (5)
• The Tide owned a 23-7 advantage on points off turnovers

SECOND HALF

• Alabama held Arkansas State to just 13.3 percent from beyond-the-arc over the final 20 minutes, the lowest percentage an opponent has shot from three in a half this season
• Mohamed Wague scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half while also collecting five of his seven rebounds in the same half
• UA’s bench outscored their counterpart 17-2 in the second stanza

UP NEXT

• Alabama heads across the border, taking on No. 4 ranked Purdue Saturday in the Hall of Fame Toronto Series inside the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario
• The game is slated to tipoff at 12:30 p.m. CT and will air live on Fox

For all the latest information on the team, follow AlabamaMBB on X, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can be found @UA_Athletics on X and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide will square off with the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines in the College Football Playoff Semifinal on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. The contest is slated to kick off at 4 p.m. CT (5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT) and will be televised on ESPN.

The Crimson Tide and Wolverines will meet for the sixth time in the history of the series that dates back to 1988. It will mark the second-straight time the two storied programs will meet in the postseason as Alabama defeated Michigan, 35-16, in the 2019 Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. With that win, the Tide now leads the all-time series, 3-2.

The winner of the Semifinal between Alabama and Michigan will meet the winner of the contest between the No. 2 Washington Huskies and the No. 3 Texas Longhorns, who will play in the CFP Semifinal Game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Superdome in New Orleans on Jan. 1, 2024. The 2024 CFP National Championship Game is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 8 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Alabama will make its eighth appearance in the Rose Bowl with this year’s selection, owning a record of 5-1-1 in those contests. Most recently, the Tide defeated Notre Dame in the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl (game played in Arlington, Texas due to COVID), 31-14.

Head coach Nick Saban is 16-6 in postseason games at Alabama, earning wins over Kansas State (2023 Sugar Bowl) Cincinnati (2022 CFP Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic), Ohio State (2021 CFP National Championship Game), Notre Dame (2021 CFP Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl), Michigan (2019 Citrus Bowl), Oklahoma (2018 CFP Semifinal Game at the Orange Bowl), Georgia (2018 CFP National Championship Game), Clemson (2017 CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the 2016 CFP National Championship Game), Washington (2016 CFP Semifinal Game at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl), Michigan State (2015 CFP Semifinal Game at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic).

Prior to the CFP, the Tide defeated the Fighting Irish (2013 BCS National Championship Game at the Orange Bowl), LSU (2012 BCS National Championship Game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl), Michigan State (2011 Capital One Bowl), Texas (2010 BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl) and Colorado (2007 Independence Bowl).

Get all the latest information on the team by following @AlabamaFTBL on X and Facebook and AlabamaFBL on Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on X and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (December 2, 2023) – The University of North Alabama took Kansas State to the wire and nearly pulled off an upset against an 2022 Elite Eight finalist, falling 75-74 in an overtime heartbreaker inside Bramlage Coliseum. 

North Alabama (4-4) led for over 31 minutes and led by as many as 13 points, but K-State battled back to tie it late in regulation. The Lions had an opportunity to win in regulation, but K-State (6-2) escaped a pair of scoring threats. 

K-State’s largest lead of just eight points came in an 8-0 run to start overtime, but UNA pulled back within one point with 2.0 seconds remaining and had a chance to win it at the buzzer. The full court heave was on-line, but too powerful. 

The Lions battled foul trouble with a noticeably unbalanced second half, losing forwards Dallas Howell, Damian Forrest and Tim Smith Jr. to foul outs before the end of regulation. K-State shot 48 free throws in the game, while UNA was only granted 28 opportunities. 

While the abundance of free throws aided K-State, the Lions created their own way with tenacious defense and a strong shooting day behind the arc. UNA went 10-28 from downtown, while limiting K-State to just 3-18. 

The key individuals for UNA were sophomore Jacari Lane and junior Detalian Brown with 19 points each. Lane had his first career double-double with a career-high 11 assists, while going 11-14 from the charity stripe. Brown went 6-12 behind the arc for his second straight 19 point game. Smith Jr. finished with 15 points, including a pair of clutch triples late in the game. 

Another key player for the Lions, Forrest finished with seven points and 10 rebounds. His presence was key, as he finished the game with a plus/minus rating of +21. The next-leading player from either team was K-State’s Dai Dai Ames with a +6. 

Wil Soucie added eight points and seven boards, serving as an early spark plug for UNA. 

K-State was led by five players in double figures, including Tylor Perry with 16 points and the game-tying three-pointer with eight seconds to go in regulation. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

UNA led 31-23 at halftime with a tenacious defensive effort, eventually taking a 13-point lead in the second half. K-State tied things up at 44-44 with about 10 minutes to go, and from there, the lead swapped a couple of times. UNA led most of the way, including the final minute. 

With eight seconds to go, Perry hit a game-tying three-pointer for Kansas State to make it 65-65. UNA quickly inbounded and had an opportunity to win it at the other end, but a layup attempt by Jacari Lane was heavily contested and no foul was called. Junior guard Detalian Brown got a three-pointer off with under a second left, but it missed off the glass to force overtime. 

K-State had full momentum to start overtime and took its largest lead of the game at eight points — 73-65. The Lions got a spark from Brown, who converted a four-point play on a three-pointer and a foul. The game went on to become 75-74 after a desperation three by true freshman Canin Jefferson, giving UNA life. After two missed free throws from K-State at the other end, Brown heaved up a full court prayer that was on-line, but missed off the shot clock. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• The Lions won the battle on the boards, outrebounding K-State 44-36. Of the 44 rebounds for UNA, 15 came on offense with a number of hustle plays to keep possessions alive.  

• UNA held K-State below its season average in offensive rebounding, which ranked fourth in the nation.   

• UNA also held K-State below its season average in scoring, despite going to overtime. 

• UNA held K-State to 23 points in the first half, the fewest allowed by a K-State opponent this season. The only two K-State opponents to accomplish this last season were West Virginia (21) and Iowa State (23). 

• Both teams were even on field goals with 35 percent shooting, but UNA also finished 35 percent behind the arc (10-28) while limiting K-State to 16 percent (3-18). 

• UNA led for 31:28 of game time. K-State led for just 7:47. 

• There were six lead changes and six tied scores.  

• K-State had a 19-3 advantage in fast break points, as UNA did the majority of its work in half court sets. 

• Both teams finished with 13 assists and seven steals. Lane and Perry each had three steals and led their respective teams in assists. 

• K-State nearly doubled UNA’s free throw opportunities with 20 more trips to the line. 

• All eight Kansas State players drew at least one foul from a UNA player. 

• Today marked the second overtime game for UNA this season. 

COMING UP NEXT 

The Lions return home for “Elementary Day” inside CB&S Bank Arena on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. 

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

MANHATTAN, Kan. (December 1, 2023) – Another Power Five opponent awaits the University of North Alabama men’s basketball team this weekend, as the Lions will battle Kansas State inside Bramlage Coliseum on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Manhattan, Kan. 

The Lions left for Kansas early Friday morning following a win on Thursday night against Tennessee Tech. UNA enters with a 4-3 record, while the Wildcats are 5-2 this season. 

GAMEDAY INFORMATION 

Game: North Alabama at Kansas State 

Date: Saturday, December 2 

Time: 1:00 p.m. 

Location: Manhattan, Kansas 

Venue: Bramlage Coliseum 

Capacity: 12,528 

TV: ESPN+ 

Radio: WLX 98.3 / 103.5 FM — “Voice of the Lions” Benjamin Ray 

Live Stats: StatBroadcast 

Game Notes: Click here 

Tickets: Click here 

Social Media: @UNA_Basketball  

NOTES 

LAST TIME OUT: The Lions battled Tennessee Tech on the hardwood for the first time in over 70 years on Thursday — and did not disappoint. Trailing 38-32 at halftime, the Lions exploded for 54 second half points to rout the Golden Eagles by an 86-71 final in Florence. UNA shot 52.6 percent for its first game over 50 percent from the field this season.  

SCOUTING THE LIONS: UNA is currently averaging 77.6 points per game while allowing 74.9 for a positive margin. The Lions have been efficient in their shooting with a respectable 44.1 field goal percentage. From downtown, UNA leads the Atlantic Sun and ranks 35th in the nation with a 38.6 three-point percentage. This includes last night’s game with Tennessee Tech, where the Lions went 8-18 behind the arc for over 44 percent. KJ Johnson leads the team with 14.6 PPG and entered the week as the ASUN’s top free throw shooter with 35 makes (79.5 percent). 

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT: Kansas State enters with a 5-2 record following a run to the Elite Eight in last season’s NCAA Tournament. Like UNA, K-State owns a 4-0 record at home, including wins over ASUN foes Bellarmine and Central Arkansas. The Wildcats are averaging 83.9 PPG with just 74.3 allowed — similar to UNA. K-State ranks fourth in the nation with 16.71 offensive rebounds per game. Senior guard Tylor Perry and junior forwards Cam Carter and Arthur Kaluma are all averaging over 15.0 PPG led by Perry at 17.4. Kaluma also has 8.5 rebounds per game. 

SERIES HISTORY: UNA and K-State have never battled on the hardwood, but did recently meet on the soccer pitch. The Wildcats edged the Lions by a 1-0 final in 2021 with the winning goal scored in the final minute of the match. Saturday marks the third time UNA will face someone who is currently a member of the Big 12, but it will be the first time against a team representing the Big 12 at the time of play. The other two are Texas Tech in 1989-90 (Southwest Conference) and UCF in 2021-22 (American). 

WELCOME TO KANSAS: UNA will make its first trip to the Sunflower State since the move to Division I in 2018. Kansas will become the 21st unique state UNA will play in over the last six seasons. In January, the Lions will travel to Texas for the first time to mark the 22nd state visit. 

HOME, SWEET HOME: UNA has a perfect 4-0 record inside CB&S Bank Arena this season. Furthermore, the Lions are 25-2 in non-conference home games under head coach Tony Pujol the last six seasons. This includes a 14-game home win streak over non-conference teams dating back to 2020.  

ROAD CHALLENGES: UNA is seeking its first road win on Saturday after challenging losses to No. 21 Mississippi State, UT-Martin in double overtime and Western Carolina, who is now ranked No. 10 in the College Insider Mid-Major Top 25. Last season, UNA tallied eight road wins, including a 66-65 win over Ole Miss for the first Power Five and SEC win in school history.  

BENCH CONTRIBUTIONS: The Lions outscored Tennessee Tech 44-6 off the bench on Thursday. Leading the charge was experience veteran Detalian Brown with 19 points on 7-8 shooting from the floor and 5-6 shooting from downtown. Brown is second on the Lions roster with 90 career games played, following starting guard Will Soucie with 91. 

DOUBLE VISION: For the first time this season, senior forward Damian Forrest tallied a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 14 rebounds against Tennessee Tech. Forrest had three double-doubles last season and has come close multiple times this season. 

TALE OF TWO HALVES: In the TTU game, UNA was outscored in the first half with six assists and four turnovers. The second half was a different story, as UNA outscored TTU 54-33 and tallied 11 assists to just one turnover. 

ROAD TO 100: At UT Martin, UNA scored over 100 points on the road for the first time in the Division I era. Prior to that, the last time UNA scored 100 points in a road game was a 100-63 win at Montevallo in 2017. In six seasons under Coach Tony Pujol, the Lions have scored 100 or more points six times — five at home and one on the road. 

BUILDING ON SUCCESS: North Alabama finished with an 18-15 record last season, representing the most single-season wins since the Lions made the jump to NCAA Division I in 2018-19. 

HUNTING ANOTHER POSTSEASON RUN: Last season, UNA played in the 2023 College Basketball Invitational (CBI) to mark the first postseason tournament in the program’s NCAA Division I history. Prior to that, UNA’s last postseason appearance was an NCAA Regional in 2013-14. UNA has participated in 14 NCAA Tournaments (all Division II), including five Final Four appearances and two National Championship wins. 

THE ART OF BALANCE: The Lions have 16 players on the 2023-24 roster, including eight returning lettermen and eight newcomers. Of this group, there are three freshmen, three sophomores, six juniors, three seniors and one graduate student. 

VETERAN LEADERSHIP: Experience is key for potential Atlantic Sun Conference contenders, and UNA brings that to the table this season with four returning starters. UNA returns 70 percent of its scoring to the starting lineup from last season to this season. 

PUJOL CONTINUES PROGRAM GROWTH: UNA head coach Tony Pujol enters his sixth season at the helm, serving as the first and only coach of UNA’s Division I era. Pujol enters Sunday’s bout with 67 wins over six seasons and led UNA to an 18-15 overall record in its first season out of the four-year Division I transition period. 

STRENGTH IN STAFF: The UNA men’s basketball coaching staff experienced some restructuring this offseason, including the promotion of Ahmad Smith to Associate Head Coach and Sean Foley to Special Assistant to the Head Coach. Additions to the staff include Austin Burnette as an assistant coach, Landon Travis to handle basketball operations and Eric Wagenlander to direct efforts in player development. Assistant Coach Carter Heston and Director of Sport Performance Leo Stern also return from last year’s staff. 

BALLING ALMOST EVERY DAY: UNA’s first six games took place on six different days of the week. The only day UNA has not played on this season is Friday. The only Friday game on the schedule is the regular season finale at Central Arkansas on March 1. UNA has wins on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. 

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

FLORENCE, Ala. (November 30, 2023) – On a day that brought adversity, the Lions found a way. 

Just hours before the University of North Alabama was set to host Tennessee Tech for a men’s basketball game on Thursday, a transformer issue inside CB&S Bank Arena caused some technical difficulties with the scoreboard and shot clock above the goals. But with the troubleshooting and hard work of many in the UNA Athletic Department, the show went on. 

The unusual scoreboard set up and an early 7-0 run by the visitors did not deter the Lions on Thursday night, and neither did a 38-32 halftime deficit. Instead, North Alabama rallied back with 54 points in the second half to end the night with an 86-71 win over the Golden Eagles in Florence. 

In a game that was anything but ordinary, the Lions improved to 4-3 on the season and a perfect 4-0 record at home. UNA is now 25-2 in non-conference home games over the last six season and has not lost a non-conference home game since 2020. 

The Golden Eagles fell to 2-6 on the season. 

While the energy was down in certain areas throughout the arena, the energy was high in “The Vault” — UNA’s student section. In fact, the crowd of 1,234 fans were energized most of the night as the Lions recorded a new Division I era school record with eight blocks and matched a season high with 17 assists. The 54 points are also the most for UNA in any half this season. 

The individuals that shined for UNA were aplenty, including the first double-double of the season for senior forward Damian Forrest. Forrest had 14 points and a game-high 14 rebounds to go with three blocks. Tim Smith Jr. also had three blocks, matching a career-high last set in 2019. 

Dual guards Jacari Lane and Detalian Brown stepped up with season-highs in place of leading scorer KJ Johnson, who exited the game early on. Lane finished with 20 points, while Brown was three shy of a career-high in scoring with 19 points. Brown went 5-6 behind the arc and 7-8 from the field, while Lane was 7-8 at the free throw line and drew five fouls without committing one. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

FIRST HALF: The Golden Eagles started on a 7-0 run, as North Alabama scored its first points at the 16:53 mark of the first half. Tennessee Tech was able to hold that lead for nearly 10 minutes, as the Lions slowly inched back into it. The lead eventually shifted for the first time at the 10:16 mark, as Eoin Nelson made a layup and Lane sank a pair of free throws on the next possession to make it 16-15. The lead changed six more times in the half, but TTU would grow back to a six point lead by the break. 

SECOND HALF: UNA played perhaps its best half of the season coming out of the locker room, outscoring the Golden Eagles 54-33 to dominate the rest of the way. The momentum started early with three-pointers from Lane and Brown, tying the game at 40-40 with 17:53 to go. Down 43-41, junior forward Dallas Howell sank a triple to put UNA back in the lead — this time, for good. Howell’s triple sparked a 12-0 run that made it a double-digit lead with 12:57 to go. The Lions shot 17-28 from the floor in the second half for 60.7 percent, while going 7-11 behind the arc for 63.6 percent. On top of that, UNA was 13-16 at the line for 81.3 percent.  

The cherry on top of all of this came with about four minutes to go, as Forrest missed a layup and raced to the other end for his third block of the game. Josiah Fulcher rebounded the block and passed cross court to Brown. Fulcher sprinted to the paint, took the dish from Brown and tomahawked the ball one-handed to finish a highlight-worthy alley oop. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• UNA shot over 50 percent for the first time this season, finishing 52.6 percent from the floor on 30-57 shooting. The Lions were also deadly behind the arc with 8-18 for 44.4 percent. 

• The assist-to-turnover ratio was night and day between the two halves. The Lions had six assists and four turnovers in the first half, then had a remarkable second half with 11 assists and just one turnover. This made for a season-high 17 assists and a season-low six turnovers. 

• UNA had 44 points off its bench tonight, making up over half its scoring. Tennessee Tech had just six bench points. 

• UNA posted a 42-28 advantage in the paint. 

• The Lions converted 22 points off turnovers, while TTU only scored two points with its opportunities limited to just six. 

• UNA only scored nine points on fast breaks, as most of the assists were totaled in the half court. 

• The Lions won the boards with a 35-27 advantage. Twelve of Forrest’s rebounds were on the defensive glass. 

• The game had seven ties and six lead changes. Only one lead change occurred in the second half. 

• TTU led for exactly 18:30 of game time, while UNA led for 16:57. The Lions led for the final 15:32 after the 12-0 run early in the second half. 

• TTU’s largest lead was eight near the end of the first quarter. The Lions doubled that in the second half with a 16 point lead at the 3:29 marker. 

• Seven different UNA players totaled an assist, including Lane with four. 

• Tonight was the first meeting between UNA and Tennessee Tech in 72 years. UNA now leads the series 2-1, winning the first game between the two in Florence. The previous two happened in Cookeville during the 1950-51 season. 

• Six — this is the number of free boneless wings that fans can retrieve at the Buffalo Wild Wings location in Florence after every UNA win with the purchase of six wings. Fans are encouraged to show their ticket or the social media graphic to retrieve the offer. 

COMING UP NEXT 

UNA will have a quick turnaround the next two days as the team flies to Kansas State tomorrow for a game on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. inside Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan. 

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.