Despite poor shooting, No. 6 Alabama easily beats Kent State 81-54

By The Associated Press

Alabama guard Mark Sears (1) works against Kent State guard Jalen Sullinger (13) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Vasha Hunt]

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama shot 26% from 3-point range, 51% from the free throw line, committed 19 turnovers and still managed to beat Kent State 81-54. Mark Sears led No. 6 Alabama with 16 points but also committed five turnovers; six of his 16 points came from the free throw line. The Crimson Tide (10-2) also got 13 points and three steals from Aden Holloway. Clifford Omoruyi (14 rebounds) and Grant Nelson (12) played a big role in Alabama’s plus-20 rebounding margin. Kent State (8-3) was led by nine points each from VonCameron Davis, Marquis Barnett and Delrecco Gillespie.