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

Alabama men’s basketball won its first game at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas on Tuesday, defeating 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 on Wednesday in the second game of the event. Ahead, here’s what you should know about Tuesday’s thriller

Overtime fight

Tuesday’s game was largely dominated by defensive runs. That went into overtime when the Crimson Tide were able to seal the deal.

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

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

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

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

Mark Sears: Back

For much of the second half of Alabama’s win over Illinois in Birmingham, the Tide’s final game before the Players Era Festival, Sears sat on the bench. He finished the game with zero points and Oats told reporters that Sears kept himself out because the rest of the team played so well without him.

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

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

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

What’s next?

The Players Era Festival continues Wednesday for the Crimson Tide. Alabama faces Rutgers, a matchup that will be significant for one of the UA freshmen.

Center Cliff Omoruyi transferred from Rutgers in the offseason. He had four points and three rebounds for the Tide on Tuesday, playing limited minutes due to good play from Dioubate.

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

Wednesday’s game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. CT in Las Vegas. It airs on TBS.