In a hometown reunion for Boilermaker big man Zach Edey, the Alabama Crimson Tide took on the fourth-ranked Purdue last Saturday in Toronto. While the Boilers prevailed 92-86, ‘Bama went toe-to-toe with a team many predict will make the 2024 Final Four.
With depth and shooting talent, Alabama lit up the scoreboard from deep, going 13-24 in the first half and 19 of 46 overall from beyond the arc. Guard Mark Sears led the way with 35 points (8-16 on threes). Grant Nelson and WVU transfer Mohamed Wague each scored 11 points.
Toughness was another high point for the Tide, mainly because of Purdue’s physicality. But UA held its own, with 32 rebounds on the game and 11 offensively. But fouls (24, resulting in 24 Purdue points) and turnovers (13) were major problems for Nat Oats’s team. As expected, Edey was the biggest challenge, with 35 points, 11 points coming from the charity stripe.
Despite the loss, Alabama showed promise in a game that felt as though it was being played in late March. Sears can put this team on his back against a national-level opponent, and Nelson will help the Tide make a run for the SEC crown and post-season glory.
But first, those two will have their hands full when the Tide continues its three-game road gauntlet. #8 Creighton is on tap this Saturday, followed by the Arizona Wildcats on Wednesday, December 20.
