Alabama Survives Seton Hall Scare, Stays Unbeaten With 82-76 Victory

It wasn't always pretty, and it certainly wasn't the offensive performance Alabama basketball fans have grown accustomed to seeing under Nate Oats. But when the final buzzer sounded Friday night inside Coleman Coliseum, the Crimson Tide had done enough to remain undefeated.

No. 18 Alabama improved to 4-0 with an 82-76 victory over Seton Hall, surviving a physical, competitive matchup that provided the Crimson Tide with its toughest test of the young season. And while Alabama walked away with another victory, there were plenty of lessons to take from this one.

After scoring at least 96 points in each of its first three games, Alabama encountered a Seton Hall defense determined to disrupt its offensive rhythm. The Pirates entered the matchup undefeated, and they certainly didn't play like a team intimidated by the atmosphere inside Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama finished with just seven made three-pointers after entering the contest averaging more than 16 per game. That's a significant difference for a program that has built its offensive identity around pace, spacing, and perimeter shooting. But basketball isn't always about how many points you score or how many three-pointers you make. Sometimes it's about finding another way to win.

And Friday night, Alabama did exactly that.

Amari Allen delivered the biggest individual performance of the evening, leading the Crimson Tide with 24 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Allen shot an efficient 6-of-10 from the field, connected on three of his four three-point attempts, and added nine points from the free-throw line. It was the type of performance Alabama needed against a defense that made every possession feel difficult.

Allen continues to demonstrate why he is such an important piece of this Alabama roster. His ability to contribute as both a scorer and facilitator gives Oats another weapon when the offense isn't operating at its usual pace.

Aden Holloway also delivered when Alabama needed him, finishing with 18 points. Holloway knocked down two three-pointers and went a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line.

When a game becomes physical and possessions grow increasingly valuable, having experienced guards who can handle pressure and convert opportunities becomes essential.

Allen and Holloway combined for 42 of Alabama's 82 points.

That production proved especially important on a night when the Crimson Tide's normally explosive perimeter attack struggled to find its rhythm. Alabama entered halftime leading 38-28 after overcoming a six-point first-half deficit. The Crimson Tide then extended its advantage to 17 points early in the second half, appearing to seize control of the contest.

But Seton Hall refused to go away.

The Pirates scored 48 second-half points, repeatedly challenging Alabama's defense and preventing the Crimson Tide from cruising to another comfortable victory. Ilay Dolinski led Seton Hall with 15 points, while Elijah Fisher contributed 14 and Trey Parker added 12.

Seton Hall's second-half production exposed some areas Alabama must address before its schedule becomes considerably more difficult.

The Crimson Tide cannot expect to build a double-digit lead and simply coast against quality opponents.

Good teams respond. Great teams finish. And that is something Alabama must continue learning.

Perhaps the most concerning statistic from Friday's victory was Alabama's 17 turnovers.

For a team that wants to play fast and create offensive opportunities in transition, protecting the basketball is absolutely critical. Seton Hall committed just 12 turnovers, giving the Pirates additional opportunities to remain competitive.

Alabama also shot just 43.4% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.

Those numbers are not necessarily disastrous, especially against a defensive-minded opponent, but they demonstrate how quickly an explosive offense can be slowed when possessions become careless.

One positive development was Alabama's work on the glass. After being outrebounded by Oakland earlier in the week, the Crimson Tide responded by winning the rebounding battle 41-36 against Seton Hall. Brandon Garrison led Alabama with seven rebounds while adding eight points.

The Crimson Tide also recorded seven blocked shots and held Seton Hall to 37.7% shooting from the field. Those defensive contributions deserve recognition.

Alabama cannot rely exclusively on outscoring opponents if it wants to compete for SEC championships and make another deep NCAA Tournament run.

There will be nights when the shots aren't falling. There will be opponents capable of slowing the tempo and forcing Alabama into uncomfortable offensive possessions. And there will be games when defense, rebounding, and physical toughness determine the outcome.

Friday night was an early example.

Alabama also made 29 free throws on 38 attempts, compared to Seton Hall's 17 makes on 18 attempts. The Crimson Tide's ability to attack the basket and draw fouls helped compensate for its struggles from beyond the arc. That's an encouraging sign. However, missing nine free throws is another area that deserves attention, particularly in a six-point game.

Those opportunities become even more valuable when conference play begins.

For Oats, the victory offers both encouragement and a reminder that this roster remains a work in progress.

Alabama has plenty of offensive talent, and its ability to score points has never been the biggest question surrounding the program. The challenge is developing the consistency, discipline, and defensive execution necessary to win when the offense isn't firing on all cylinders.

I would much rather see Alabama face these challenges in November than discover them for the first time in March. Blowout victories are exciting, but close games reveal things that comfortable wins sometimes cannot.

They reveal leadership. They reveal toughness. They reveal how players respond when momentum shifts and the opposing team refuses to back down.

Alabama passed that test Friday night, even if the performance was far from perfect.

The Crimson Tide remains unbeaten at 4-0 and will return to Coleman Coliseum on Tuesday to face Kennesaw State before preparing for a challenging stretch of nonconference competition.

There is plenty to clean up, particularly when it comes to turnovers and finishing games. But there is also plenty to be encouraged about.

Alabama didn't play its best basketball Friday night. It didn't have to. The Crimson Tide found a way to win, and sometimes those victories teach a team more than a 30-point blowout ever could.

The talent is there. The potential is there. Now it's about putting everything together.

And if Alabama can combine its explosive offense with consistent defensive effort and smarter decision-making, this team has an opportunity to be dangerous when March arrives.

Roll Tide.