No. 20 Alabama outlasts Arkansas State 101-86 in Coleman Coliseum

No. 20 Alabama outlasts Arkansas State 101-86 in Coleman Coliseum

by

Alabama outlasts Arkansas State in high-scoring Coleman Coliseum battle

The No. 20 Alabama Crimson Tide relied on a massive second-half offensive surge to secure a 101-86 victory over Arkansas State on Friday night. Despite a sluggish start that left the Tide trailing for much of the first half, Alabama’s depth and perimeter shooting eventually overwhelmed a resilient Red Wolves squad coached by Ryan Pannone, a former assistant to Alabama’s Nate Oats.

According to reporting from Sports Illustrated, the game featured a high-tempo environment that tested Alabama’s defensive discipline. While the Crimson Tide (2-0) ultimately controlled the outcome, the Red Wolves (1-1) remained competitive by exploiting specific gaps in the Alabama perimeter defense. Nate Oats noted that his team was exposed by Arkansas State’s ability to generate high-quality looks, specifically highlighting that the Red Wolves hit 15 three-pointers on 39 attempts, shooting nearly 40 percent from deep.

The victory serves as a vital early-season litmus test for an Alabama program looking to establish consistency. While the offensive explosion to surpass the 100-point mark is a positive indicator, the defensive lapses regarding three-point concessions provide a roadmap for coaching adjustments heading into next week’s matchup against Oakland.

The Tide overcomes a cold shooting start

Alabama’s path to 101 points was far from linear. The Crimson Tide struggled significantly in the opening minutes, making just seven of their first 30 field goal attempts. This inefficiency allowed Arkansas State to maintain a lead until the 4:13 mark of the first half.

Coleman coliseum vresize

However, the hallmark of an Oats-led team is the ability to weaponize volume. Alabama refused to abandon their offensive philosophy, attempting 36 three-pointers in the first half alone. This aggressive approach paid dividends late in the period, as the Tide scored 32 points over the final 9:35 of the first half to seize momentum. The final shooting line reflected this volatility and eventual rhythm, with Alabama finishing 15-for-50 from beyond the arc. The scoring spread was also notable, as seven different players contributed at least one three-pointer.

Amari Allen secures historic triple-double

Sophomore guard Amari Allen provided the individual brilliance necessary to swing the game’s momentum. Allen recorded the fifth triple-double in Alabama program history, a feat that underscores his growing impact on the floor. His performance was instrumental in a decisive 21-2 run that Alabama used to close out the first half.

Allen’s ability to stretch the floor was on full display when he connected on back-to-back three-pointers from well beyond the arc during that crucial run. This scoring burst allowed Alabama to build a comfortable cushion entering the locker room. Allen, who opted to return to Alabama to improve his professional standing rather than entering the NBA draft following last season, continues to demonstrate the versatility Oats expects from his primary playmakers.

“He came back to play his way up in the draft,” Oats said of Allen. “Having triple doubles certainly doesn’t hurt his case I’m sure. I thought he was pretty efficient… He’s one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever met both on the floor and off. He’s a guy that’s always in the gym.”

Brandon Garrison provides blue-collar interior presence

While Allen provided the highlights, transfer Brandon Garrison provided the grit. The 6-10 forward, who averaged only 4.7 points per game during his time at Kentucky last season, proved to be a highly effective addition to the Alabama rotation. Garrison finished the night with a double-double, tallying 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. Alabama Crimson Tide | Full Game Highlights | ESPN College Basketball

Garrison’s impact was felt on both ends of the court, combining rim finishing with the ability to stretch the floor. His performance earned him Alabama’s “hard hat award,” a distinction given to the player who records the most “blue collar points” according to the coaching staff. Despite his efficiency, Oats noted that there is still room for improvement regarding Garrison’s free-throw shooting, which could have potentially led the team in scoring.

The successful integration of Garrison highlights the increasing importance of the transfer portal in modern college basketball roster construction. For Alabama, finding a versatile big man who can impose his will on the interior while contributing to a high-possession system appears to be a significant win in the offseason recruiting cycle.

Worth a look

Read next