Alabama basketball‘s Mark Sears let everyone know that he’s still the guy for the Crimson Tide against Houston.
After a scoreless night last Wednesday against Illinois in the C.M. Newton Classic, the returning Final Four point guard was seen burning the midnight oil, shooting away in the wee hours, hoping to get back to the form that earned him accolades like SEC Preseason Player of the Year.
The practice paid off against the Cougars’ top-ranked defense, as Sears went from zero points to leading No. 9 Alabama (5-1) in the 85-80 overtime win with 24 points on Tuesday.
Although 12 of his baskets were made from the free throw line, it looked like Sears’ three-point mojo was back at last against No. 7 Houston (3-2). He shot 50% from the arc to knock down four 3-pointers, highlighted by the trey to put Alabama, tied at 78, ahead with the first score of the second half after a steal by teammate Latrell Wrightsell, Jr.
Grinning ear to ear, Sears told TNT reporter Allie LaForce after the top 10 faceoff, “It felt like a Final Four game.”
Coach Nate Oats spoke the “bounce back” game into existence for Sears after defeating Illinois last week, and expanded on how the Naismith Player of the Year watchlist selection is adjusting to a “new role” during media availability after the team touched down in Las Vegas on Monday.
The team knew coming into the year that the opposition would design its defenses to contain Sears with his new set of accolades.
“He may play a game where he’s got an unbelievably great game and only scores five points, but he moves the ball around, attracts so much attention and makes it easier for his teammates,” Oats said of Sears before Houston.
Still, Oats said he thinks that Sears has to “quit pressing” and understand that he’s simply not going to average the 21.5 points per game that he did last season.
Sears’ contributions against Houston also included four defensive rebounds, three assists and a steal in 41 minutes.
“People are going to focus on him. We’ve got more talent around him. It just is what it is,” Oats said. “He’s got to do what it takes to help us win games.”
Alabama returns to action at MGM Grand Garden Arena for its second game of the Players Era Festival on Wednesday, when big man Clifford Omoruyi will meet his former coach and teammates at tip off against Rutgers.
If Alabama beats Rutgers, the Crimson Tide will have secured a spot in the championship game of the Players Era Festival on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. CT following the Iron Bowl.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
