Despite Mark Sears Not Scoring a Single Point, No. 4 Alabama Defeats LSU
In a game that left fans and analysts scratching their heads, the No. 4-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide pulled off an impressive victory over the LSU Tigers, even with a significant and unexpected anomaly: their star guard, Mark Sears, failed to score a single point throughout the entire contest. Despite this, Alabama’s overwhelming team effort, superior defense, and contributions from multiple players propelled them to a convincing 82-61 victory at Coleman Coliseum on Saturday night.
The victory marked another notch in Alabama’s impressive 2024 season as they continue to establish themselves as one of the top teams in college basketball. For LSU, the defeat further exposed their struggles on both ends of the court, and the loss pushed their record further into a difficult position in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) standings. The game was one of those rare occasions where a team’s key player had an off-night, yet the collective strength of the unit managed to carry them across the finish line.
A Surprising Night for Mark Sears
Alabama’s offensive system revolves heavily around Mark Sears, the sophomore guard who had been averaging 14.3 points per game and who had delivered numerous clutch performances this season. Sears had been particularly effective in Alabama’s last several matchups, making significant contributions in both scoring and playmaking. However, on this particular night, it was a case of an off-game, and he was unable to register a single point throughout the entire 40 minutes of action.
From the very start, it was evident that LSU was determined to contain Sears. They sent multiple defenders his way every time he tried to initiate a play, forcing him to give up the ball or take difficult shots. Despite his best efforts, Sears’ usual confidence seemed absent. He struggled from the field, going 0-5 in field goals and missing all three of his attempts from beyond the arc. The frustration was visible, as he couldn’t find any rhythm in the offensive flow, and Alabama fans were left wondering how their team could possibly win without their lead scorer contributing a single point.
Team Chemistry and the Bama Defense
While Mark Sears’ offensive struggles were a surprise, they became secondary as Alabama’s defense and overall team chemistry took center stage. The Crimson Tide’s ability to dominate on defense and capitalize on LSU’s errors allowed them to stay ahead throughout the game.
Alabama’s defense was stifling from the opening tip. They employed full-court pressure that disrupted LSU’s offensive sets, forcing turnovers and limiting the Tigers’ opportunities in transition. The Tigers, known for their high-scoring offense under head coach Matt McMahon, simply couldn’t get anything going consistently. Alabama’s defense swarmed LSU’s ball handlers, and the Tide’s athleticism overwhelmed the Tigers’ shooters. Every time LSU tried to get a rhythm going offensively, they were met with tight defense, forced shots, and contested looks.
One of the highlights of the game was Alabama’s ability to close out possessions. The Crimson Tide secured crucial rebounds, limiting LSU’s second-chance points. They out-rebounded the Tigers 42-30, with freshman center Charles Bediako and forward Noah Clowney playing key roles in controlling the glass.
Bediako, who has developed into one of the premier shot-blockers in the SEC, was a defensive force, finishing with three blocks and several key contested shots in the paint. His presence in the middle helped stifle LSU’s attempts to score inside, forcing them to rely heavily on outside shooting, which was not falling on this night.
The Key Contributors: Jaden Ivey, Brandon Miller, and More
While Mark Sears may have been unable to find the scoreboard, other players stepped up in remarkable fashion to ensure Alabama still had more than enough firepower to defeat LSU. Perhaps no player stood out more than freshman forward Brandon Miller, who has quickly become a household name in college basketball.
Miller, who has been hailed as a potential NBA lottery pick, showed why he is such a coveted prospect in the game. The 6-foot-9 forward was a scoring machine, dropping a game-high 26 points on an efficient 10-14 shooting. He was dominant both inside and outside, hitting a pair of three-pointers and also converting difficult mid-range shots. What was especially impressive about Miller’s performance was his ability to remain composed even when Sears was struggling. As Alabama’s primary offensive weapon, Miller embraced the challenge and delivered a performance that was nothing short of spectacular.
Miller’s versatility was a key factor in Alabama’s success, as he was not only a scoring threat but also a strong presence on defense. His length and agility allowed him to guard multiple positions, and he finished with 10 rebounds, showing his ability to contribute across the board.
In addition to Miller, Jaden Ivey played a pivotal role in keeping the offense clicking. Ivey, another dynamic guard, had 18 points and provided the spark that Alabama needed when things were not going well offensively. Ivey’s ability to drive to the basket, combined with his knack for hitting tough pull-up jumpers, kept LSU’s defense on their heels. He also added five assists, showing his playmaking ability and his comfort in running the offense when Sears wasn’t involved.
The supporting cast also contributed in a big way. Clowney, the 6-foot-10 forward, scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man who can knock down mid-range shots and even three-pointers gave Alabama added versatility. His scoring threat forced LSU to respect his outside shooting, which opened up more space for Miller and Ivey to operate.
LSU’s Offensive Struggles
On the other side of the court, LSU simply could not find a way to break Alabama’s defensive scheme. The Tigers were stymied throughout the game and were forced into taking difficult, contested shots. The team shot just 38% from the field, including a dismal 5-20 (25%) from beyond the arc. Despite having talented players like forward Tari Eason and guard Justice Hill, LSU never seemed to find their rhythm.
Tari Eason, who is one of the most gifted scorers in the SEC, finished with 14 points but struggled with his shooting, going 5-13 from the field. He found it difficult to create space against Alabama’s defense and was frequently forced into contested shots. Justice Hill, who has been one of LSU’s primary facilitators, had a quiet night, finishing with just 9 points and 4 assists. He couldn’t get the offense flowing, and when he tried to create for his teammates, he was met with pressure.
LSU’s inability to get open looks was compounded by their turnovers. The Tigers committed 15 turnovers in the game, many of which were a result of Alabama’s full-court pressure and swarming defense. These turnovers led to easy transition opportunities for Alabama, allowing the Crimson Tide to push the pace and get easy buckets in the open court.
The Tigers’ inability to generate offense, combined with Alabama’s outstanding defense and team effort, spelled disaster for LSU. They were outscored in the second half 44-28, and by the time the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that LSU’s struggles were a major factor in the lopsided result.
The Bigger Picture: Alabama’s Depth and Future Outlook
Alabama’s victory over LSU further solidified their status as one of the top teams in the country. The fact that they could win convincingly without Mark Sears scoring a single point speaks volumes about the depth of the team and their ability to play selflessly as a unit. In past seasons, Alabama had relied heavily on individual performances, but this season, they have shown that they can win in multiple ways.
One of the most encouraging signs for Alabama is their ability to adapt when a key player has an off-night. While Sears struggled, the team didn’t crumble. Instead, they found other ways to win, and this kind of resilience will be crucial as they move deeper into conference play and, ultimately, into the NCAA Tournament.
For LSU, the loss exposed the team’s vulnerabilities. While they have talent, particularly in Eason and Hill, their lack of consistent shooting and struggles against high-pressure defenses will likely continue to be a theme for the rest of the season. McMahon’s squad will need to find ways to improve on both ends of the court if they want to remain competitive in the SEC.
Conclusion
In the end, No. 4 Alabama’s 82-61 victory over LSU was a testament to the team’s depth, defensive prowess, and resilience. Even with Mark Sears’ uncharacteristic absence from the scoring column, Alabama showed that they could rely on their collective effort to defeat a talented LSU team. With players like Brandon Miller and Jaden Ivey stepping up, Alabama’s future remains bright, and they look poised for a deep run in March. As for LSU, the Tigers will need to regroup and find solutions to their offensive struggles if they hope to salvage their season and remain competitive in the SEC race.