Alabama 97-90 North Dakota (December 18, 2024) Game Summary

On By Littum

GRAND FORKS, ND — — Grant Nelson had 23 points and 10 rebounds in his return to his home state and No. 6 Alabama overcame Treysen Eaglestaff’s big night to hold off North Dakota 97-90 on Wednesday night.

Mark Sears had 23 points and Labaron Philon added 16 for the Crimson Tide (9-2) Alabama bounced back from a sluggish start to shoot 59% and commit just one turnover in the second half.

Alabama coach Nate Oats planned the game as a favor to Nelson, who grew up 90 minutes away in Devils Lake and is in his second season with the Crimson Tide after transferring from North Dakota State.

Eaglestaff eclipsed Nelson’s homecoming with a career-high 40 points and eight 3-pointers as the 24 1/2-point underdog Fighting Hawks (4-9) made it a game to go.

Alabama had 13 turnovers in the opening half and missed nine of its first 12 shots. The Hawks led for 17 of the first 20 minutes, with Amar Kuljuhovic and Eaglestaff hitting back-to-back 3s for a nine-point cushion before the Tide cut it to 38-35 at the half.

Takeaways

Alabama: Oats said in his postgame television interview that it doesn’t hurt to face adversity on the road. He almost got more than he bargained for.

North Dakota: The Hawks are 0-11 against ranked opponents since moving up to Division I in 2008-09.

Key moment

Nelson’s layup and two free throws made it 89-85 after North Dakota tied it, and his rebound from Mark Sears’ 3 let the Tide end the game at the free throw line.

Key state

Eaglestaff, was 15 of 30 from the field, including 8 of 18 on 3s.

Next

Alabama hosts Kent State on Sunday. North Dakota hosts Division II South Dakota Mines on Friday.

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