No. 9 Alabama survives scare from Rutgers, advances to Players Era championship with 95-90 win

Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate (10) looks to pass the ball against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

By W.G. RAMIREZ Associated Press

Mark Sears scored 24 points and No. 9 Alabama defeated Rutgers 95-90 on Wednesday night in the Players Era Festival at MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

Rutgers pulled within two with 1:28 left, but five free throws down the stretch sealed the win for the Crimson Tide (6-1).

Grant Nelson had 17 points and nine rebounds for Alabama, while Mouhamed Dioubate, Jarin Stevenson and Derrion Reid scored 10 points apiece.

Dylan Harper led Rutgers (5-2) with a career-high 37 points. Ace Bailey finished with 22 points and Jeremiah Williams chipped in with 10 points for the Scarlet Knights.

After squandering a six-point lead midway through the first half and falling behind by five, the Crimson Tide got a boost from their bench, as their reserves outscored Rutgers’ 15-5 in the first half. Alabama’s bench finished with a 38-6 edge.

Moments after Rutgers’ Jordan Derkack’s failed dunk attempt, Sears chose not to drive the lane during the ensuing fast break and instead drained a 3-pointer to give Alabama a 56-53 lead early in the second half. The Tide led from that point forward.

Both teams return to action Saturday, the final day of the Players Era Festival. Alabama will meet Oregon in the championship game.

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