Alabama battles past Rutgers in nail-biting 95-90 win

In a thrilling basketball game held at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on November 27, 2024, No. 9 Alabama faced off against Rutgers in the Players Era Festival. The game was marked by intense competition, with both teams showcasing impressive performances. Mark Sears was a standout for Alabama, scoring 24 points and helping secure the victory. Despite a close challenge from Rutgers, who pulled within two points with just 1:28 remaining, Alabama maintained its composure, converting crucial free throws down the stretch. The Crimson Tide ultimately triumphed with a final score of 95-90, improving their season record to 6-1. Rutgers, who fell to 5-2 with this loss, were led by Dylan Harper, who delivered an extraordinary performance with a career-high 37 points. The freshman guard, son of NBA champion Ron Harper Sr., has already made a name for himself in the collegiate scene, averaging 24.5 points per game this season. His presence on the court kept Rutgers competitive throughout the match, and his scoring ability was critical in keeping the Scarlet Knights in striking distance. Alabama’s success in this matchup can also be attributed to its bench strength, with reserves outscoring Rutgers' bench 38-6. This depth allowed the Crimson Tide to recover from a six-point deficit in the first half and regain control as the game progressed. Grant Nelson contributed significantly with 17 points and nine rebounds, while teammates Mouhamed Dioubate, Jarin Stevenson, and Derrion Reid each added 10 points. Alabama's ability to leverage its bench helped to shift momentum in their favor after a rocky start. Looking ahead, both teams are set to return to action on Saturday, the final day of the Players Era Festival. Alabama will compete in the championship game against Oregon, while Rutgers will be awaiting to find out who their next opponent is, depending on the outcome of the game between No. 6 Houston and Notre Dame. With this victory, Alabama solidifies its place among the top teams in college basketball as they aim for further success in the tournament.