SEC Morning Report: Alabama Scorches Oakland With 63%

LEAD STORY

Alabama's Crimson Tide Puts on a Shooting Clinic

Alabama turned Coleman Coliseum into an exhibition of shooting efficiency Monday night, dismantling Oakland 109-68 on the strength of one of the most dominant offensive performances of the young season. The Crimson Tide improved to 3-0 by connecting on 63 percent from the field and 52 percent from beyond the arc — going 24-of-46 from three-point range — leaving no question about the firepower Alabama has assembled heading into conference play.

London Jemison authored the headlining performance, finishing with a perfect 7-of-7 shooting line that included 6-of-6 from three — all from the corners — for 20 points. Aden Holloway made his season debut after completing a suspension, wasting no time finding his range with 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting from deep. Amari Allen contributed 14 points, Tarris Bouie added 10, and freshman Anderson Diaz provided an emphatic closing statement by drilling three consecutive three-pointers in the final minutes to push the final margin to 41.

The Tide distributed the ball with equal precision, as 12 different players recorded at least one assist in a 30-assist team effort. Alabama also tallied 10 blocks and 10 steals. The lone concern: Oakland's 37 total rebounds, including a remarkable 21 on the offensive glass for a team that trailed by double digits for most of the game. Alabama's coaching staff flagged the rebounding margin as the primary area to address before a Friday night home game against Seton Hall — 8 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.

QUICK HITS

Vanderbilt keeps rolling: No. 8/9 Vanderbilt posted a 102-50 victory over Morehead State on Monday, marking the third consecutive game the Commodores have eclipsed the century mark. Few teams nationally have opened the season with this level of sustained offensive dominance, and Vanderbilt is positioning itself as a genuine SEC contender.
Crowe sets Mizzou freshman record, but Mitchell's status looms large: Jason Crowe Jr. answered a rough Saint Louis outing with a 34-point explosion in Missouri's 96-58 win over SIUE — setting the program's single-game scoring record by a freshman. The night was tempered by the early exit of Mark Mitchell, who left with a facial injury less than two minutes into the game. Mitchell's status is being monitored ahead of Missouri's neutral-site matchup with Marquette in Chicago on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Mizzou women open season in dominant fashion: Missouri's women's basketball team rolled past Tennessee Tech 106-50 to improve to 3-0. The 56-point margin represented the program's first time clearing 100 points in the current coaching era and the largest victory margin since November 20, 2024.
No. 7 Texas sharpshooter Joe Sterling making a name for himself: Texas improved to 3-0 with a 93-62 win over Grambling State, with freshman guard Joe Sterling continuing his torrid start. Sterling is now 7-of-11 from three-point range on the season (63.6%), already drawing attention for his ability to shoot off the catch, off movement, and off the dribble. Texas faces its first meaningful test Sunday against Baylor in San Antonio.
Oddo earns third SEC Freshman of the Week: Tennessee middle blocker Jolene Oddo claimed SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors for the third time this season following the Volunteers' wins over Mississippi State and Alabama. The repeated recognition underscores Tennessee's strong late-season volleyball push.
Mizzou AD addresses officiating; Kentucky game gets a slot: Missouri's athletic director released a public statement Monday regarding officiating concerns in Saturday's loss to Texas — a game in which the Tigers went 3-of-16 on third down, missed two kicks, and allowed a blocked punt against an opponent they otherwise competed with throughout. Missouri's November 21 home game against ranked Kentucky is now locked in for 6:30 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.