The Alabama Crimson Tide showcased their dominance on Friday night as they secured a resounding victory over College of Charleston in the opening game of the NCAA Tournament. With a final score of 109-96, the Tide left no doubt about their prowess on the court.

After a disappointing run for other state teams and several SEC teams, Alabama took on the responsibility of representing both their home state and the SEC conference. With Samford, Birmingham U, and Auburn all suffering defeats, the Crimson Tide stepped up and carried the weight of their teams' losses.

Coming into the game, the Tide were relatively healthy, with both Latrell Wrightsell Jr and Rylan Griffen available and showing their true form. The only absence was reserve player Davin Cosby, who broke his foot during practice earlier in the week.

Coach Nate Oats went with a four-guard starting lineup, featuring Mark Sears, Aaron Estrada, and Grant Nelson alongside Wrightsell and Griffen. Although Alabama started slowly and found themselves trailing 12-10 early on, a three-point shot from Sears ignited a 10-0 run that propelled the Tide ahead.

The team's firepower was complemented by their improved defensive intensity, with standout performances from the two Mo's (presumably referring to players with initials "M.O."). This boost in energy allowed Alabama to build a commanding lead, leading 51-34 at halftime.

Wrightsell encountered a scare late in the first half when he suffered a collision, but fortunately, it was only a bloody nose rather than a more serious injury like a concussion, which he had recently experienced. This was a relief for both Wrightsell and the team.

At halftime, the Tide were shooting an impressive 54% from the field, including 7-13 from beyond the arc. Although their free-throw shooting was not as efficient, making only 12 of 18 attempts, Alabama limited their turnovers to just four, while also dominating defensively on the boards.

The second half saw Wrightsell back on the court, and Oats stuck with the same starting lineup. The Tide continued their offensive onslaught, with Sears leading the way. His exceptional scoring, combined with contributions from the likes of Wrightsell and newcomers like Sam Walters, helped extend the lead to 31 points.

With 5:34 remaining, Walters nailed a three-point shot, propelling the Tide to a 100-71 advantage. This marked the 10th game in which Alabama has scored 100 or more points this season, setting a new SEC record.

Despite the Cougars outscoring Alabama in the final minutes, the Tide sealed the victory with a final score of 109-96. Sears finished with a game-high 30 points, showcasing his scoring ability alongside Wrightsell who added 17 points. Estrada also had an outstanding all-around performance with 13 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.

Alabama's shooting proficiency was on full display, with an overall field goal percentage of 60% and a remarkable three-point shooting rate of 57%. Despite their free-throw shooting being less accurate at 65%, the Tide's offensive dominance was evident.

Next up for the Crimson Tide is a matchup against Grand Canyon University. The 'Lopes, a formidable team from Phoenix, will undoubtedly pose a challenge for Alabama as they look to continue their success in the NCAA Tournament.