3 takeaways from Alabama basketball’s overtime win over Houston in the Players Era Festival

Alabama men’s basketball won its first game at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas on Tuesday, beating Houston 85-80 in overtime. The win moved the Crimson Tide to 5-1 on the season.

Nate Oats’ group will be back in action for its second match in the event on Wednesday. Until then, here’s what you need to know from Tuesday’s thriller

Overtime match

Most of the way, Tuesday’s game was full of defensive runs. It continued into overtime as the Crimson Tide was able to seal the deal.

Houston was led by LJ Cryer, who finished the game with 30 points. However, neither Cougars was able to score in the final 3:17 of overtime.

According to Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears, the composition of the 2024-25 roster was useful at the end of the game.

“It really showed when we went to overtime,” Sears said. “We had so much depth in the game. We were able to really push the tempo and they really couldn’t handle it.”

Sears hit a three to start overtime before the Cougars made it a one-point game with a layup. After that, it was all Alabama, with Grant Nelson and Mo Dioubate sinking free throws and a Derrion Reid layup.

Mark Sears: Back

In the second half of Alabama’s win over Illinois in Birmingham, the Tide’s final game before the Players Era Festival, Sears was mostly on the bench. He finished the game with zero points, and Oats told reporters that Sears had stayed out because of how well the rest of the team played without him.

On Tuesday, the point guard from Muscle Shoals was back to his full offensive self. Sears finished the game leading the Crimson Tide with 24 points.

“My teammates really lifted me up,” Sears said. “And I can’t do it without them because they gave me all the confidence tonight.”

Aden Holloway was second for Alabama with 14 points. Grant Nelson had 13 points.

What’s next?

The Players Era Festival continues Wednesday for the Crimson Tide. Alabama will face Rutgers in a game that will be meaningful for one of the UA’s newcomers.

Center Cliff Omoruyi transferred in from Rutgers in the offseason. He had four points and grabbed three rebounds for the Tide on Tuesday, playing limited minutes because of how well Dioubate played.

“Hopefully tomorrow is Cliff’s night,” Oats said. “Who knows, but he should have fresh legs.”

Wednesday’s game is scheduled to tip off at 9pm CT in Las Vegas. It will be broadcast on TBS.