TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (November 8, 2024) – In a night charged with high-octane basketball, Arkansas State men’s team delivered a performance that resonated like a powerful anthem, pushing No. 2 Alabama to the very edge. Despite a valiant effort, the Red Wolves faced an 88-79 defeat against the Crimson Tide within the roaring walls of Coleman Coliseum. This clash, much like an “Alabama To Arkansas Song,” told a story of journey and struggle, ending in a hard-fought resolution.
The Red Wolves (1-1) demonstrated resilience, leveling the score at 70 points with under eight minutes left on the clock. However, the Crimson Tide (2-0), fueled by their home crowd advantage and strategic plays, managed to fend off the surging upset bid, securing victory through crucial baskets and successful free throws in the critical final minutes. Notably, the 79 points scored by A-State marks their highest score against a top-25 opponent since December 19, 2017, when they achieved 80 points against No. 11 Wichita State.
Key Game Statistics and Performances
Both Arkansas State and Alabama showcased balanced offensive efforts, each shooting 40 percent from the field throughout the game. A significant aspect of the contest was the high volume of free throws, with both teams combining for a total of 80 attempts. The Red Wolves managed to convert 23 of their 36 free-throw attempts, achieving a 63.9 percent success rate. Alabama closely mirrored this, making good on 28 of 44 attempts, with a 63.6-percent conversion rate. Alabama held a slight edge in rebounding, securing 50 boards compared to Arkansas State’s 41, with 14 of Alabama’s rebounds being offensive, providing second-chance opportunities.
Top Scorers Lead Arkansas State’s Charge
Arkansas State’s offensive firepower was spearheaded by three players achieving double-figure scores. Kobe Julien led all scorers in the game with an impressive 20 points, half of which were earned at the free-throw line, demonstrating his ability to draw fouls and convert under pressure. Taryn Todd was another key contributor for the Red Wolves, adding 18 points to the tally through a mix of drives and jump shots. Rashaud Marshall delivered a career-best performance, scoring 11 points while also contributing significantly on the boards with eight rebounds, showcasing his growing impact on the team.
For Alabama, five players reached double digits, indicating a well-distributed offensive attack. Mark Sears topped Alabama’s scoring chart with 19 points, setting the pace for the Crimson Tide’s offense. Clifford Omoruyi, Grant Nelson, and Labaron Philon each contributed 12 points, adding depth to Alabama’s scoring options. Derrion Reid rounded out the double-figure scorers for Alabama with 10 points. Omoruyi also dominated the boards, leading all rebounders with nine, playing a crucial role in Alabama’s rebounding advantage.
Game Dynamics: From Early Lead to Thrilling Finish
Arkansas State initiated the game with confidence, taking an early lead courtesy of a three-pointer from Julien. However, Alabama quickly seized momentum, establishing a lead that widened to as much as 16 points with 6:01 remaining in the first half. Showing resilience, the Red Wolves responded emphatically, concluding the first 20 minutes with an 18-5 run. This surge dramatically narrowed the deficit, leaving them trailing by just three points as they headed into halftime, setting the stage for a tightly contested second half.
The second half saw Arkansas State maintain close proximity to Alabama, staying within seven points for a significant portion. However, a three-pointer from Reid with 10:11 left in the game extended Alabama’s lead back to 10 points at 67-57. Undeterred, A-State launched another comeback effort, punctuated by an 11-1 run. This impressive stretch culminated in a score by Joseph Pinion, tying the game at 70 with 7:08 remaining, igniting hopes of an upset.
As the clock ticked down under two minutes, Philon’s close-range jumper extended Alabama’s lead to 11, seeming to put the game out of reach. Yet, Julien, embodying the Red Wolves’ fighting spirit, narrowed the gap to seven points again with under 30 seconds left, sinking a pair of free throws. Ultimately, Alabama managed to withstand the final comeback attempt, sealing the game with two final free throws from Philon, concluding a game that was as much a journey as any “alabama to arkansas song”.
Looking Ahead
Arkansas State will return to their home court for a three-game home stand, commencing on Tuesday, November 12. They are set to face in-state rivals Little Rock in a highly anticipated matchup. The tip-off against the Little Rock Trojans is scheduled for 7 p.m. at First National Bank Arena. Fans can catch the live broadcast of this in-state rivalry game on ESPN+.
Stay connected with the A-State men’s basketball program through social media by following @AStateMB on Twitter/X and @astatemb on Instagram, and by liking their Facebook page at Facebook.com/AStateMB for continuous updates and behind-the-scenes content.
