No. 18 Alabama Edges Seton Hall to Move to 4-0 Despite Turnover Woes

No. 18 Alabama secured an 82-76 victory over Seton Hall on Friday, November 14, 2026, at Coleman Coliseum, moving to 4-0 on the season despite a late-game struggle at the free-throw line.

While the Crimson Tide held off a persistent Pirates squad, the narrow margin underscored significant performance gaps that head coach Nate Oats addressed following the final whistle.

The game served as a litmus test for Alabama against a high-major opponent, a reality that became clear as the Crimson Tide navigated early offensive stagnation. According to Alabama Crimson Tide On SI, the team trailed by six points with five minutes remaining in the first half before mounting a 16-0 run to reclaim control. Sophomore guard Amari Allen fueled this surge, contributing eight points during that specific stretch.

Pull up 5⃣ pic.twitter.com/dcCSlAYK5g

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Allen finished the night with 24 points, coming within one point of his career high. His performance, which included five assists, solidified his role as the primary engine of the Alabama offense. “My mentality is just to take the right shots, try not to force,” Allen told Alabama Crimson Tide On SI. Coach Oats echoed this sentiment, describing the sophomore as a tough, physical competitor who plays with the right intentions.

The statistical divide between the two halves highlighted Alabama’s ongoing battle with ball security. The Crimson Tide committed 12 turnovers in the first half alone, allowing Seton Hall to capitalize with 16 points off those mistakes. By the end of the contest, the Pirates had generated 25 points from 17 total Alabama turnovers. Oats said that the physical nature of the Pirates’ full-court press disrupted his team’s rhythm, particularly among the younger players.

No. 18 Alabama Edges Seton Hall to Move to 4-0 Despite Turnover Woes

The impact of these turnovers is significant for a team aiming to compete at the top of the non-conference schedule. While Alabama limited its mistakes to just five turnovers in the second half, the early damage forced the team to play from behind for much of the opening period. This volatility remains a primary concern as the Crimson Tide prepares for its upcoming home game against Kennesaw State on Tuesday.

Rebounding also emerged as a point of contention. Although Alabama out-rebounded Seton Hall 41-36 overall, the second-half metrics told a different story. The Pirates nearly doubled Alabama’s rebounding output after the break, finishing the night with 21 second-chance points. “I thought the first half they treated us like little boys,” Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway said. “At halftime, we made some adjustments.”

The discrepancy in rebounding efficiency reflects a broader challenge for the Crimson Tide. Despite having high offensive firepower, the team’s ability to maintain possession and control the glass will dictate its success against more disciplined opponents in the coming weeks. Oats emphasized that internal competition for minutes will likely be tied to performance in these specific areas.

Aden Holloway's halftime buzzer-beater caps a 16-0 run by Alabama. Alabama leads Seton Hall 38-28 https://t.co/rQ37n75xVr pic.twitter.com/Icnj41VZfq

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“You look at the rebounds, and it’s a little bit disappointing,” Oats told Alabama Crimson Tide On SI. “Like with some of the guys that played heavier minutes with the amount of rebounds… We’re going to have to play the guys that rebound now.”

For Alabama, the win serves as a necessary, if imperfect, step forward. The team proved it could secure a victory even when failing to execute at peak levels, a trait that is often essential for sustained success in a long season.

However, the reliance on late-game free throws and the persistence of the Pirates suggest that the Crimson Tide has significant work to do before the heart of its non-conference schedule begins.

The Crimson Tide will have one final opportunity to refine its rotations and defensive consistency on Tuesday against Kennesaw State before facing a more rigorous slate of opponents.