Alabama men’s basketball opened the 2024-25 season in winning fashion with a 98-77 victory over Wake Forest at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham. Newcomer Aden Holloway led all scorers in the preseason matchup with a game-high 20 points for the Crimson Tide.
“It was good to get this group out together for the first time. We didn’t have four of our guys, but I thought we had enough of them to kind of see how we want to play,” said Alabama head coach Nate Oats.
The Crimson Tide had six players post in double figures. Of those 20 points scored by Holloway, 15 came from behind the arc as he connected on 5 of 12 attempts. Overall, the Tide spread the wealth on offense, recording 24 total assists off 30 made field goals. Alabama’s trio of returners from last year’s squad combined for 39 points—Mark Sears (19), Mouhamed Dioubate (10), and Jarin Stevenson (10).
As a team, Alabama shot 41 percent from 3-point range and out-rebounded the Demon Deacons 44-35. The Crimson Tide led 46-38 at the half.
Wake Forest had four players score double figures, with Hunter Sallis’ 16 points pacing the Demon Deacons.
Prior to tipoff, former member of Alabama basketball and current player for Wake Forest, Davin Cosby Jr., received his Final Four ring from Alabama’s first-ever appearance in the Final Four last season. Proceeds from Friday night’s contest supported Children’s of Alabama.
The Crimson Tide will take the floor again on Monday for the second preseason game of the 2024-25 season, playing Memphis at the Von Braun Center Propst Arena in Huntsville, Alabama. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the matchup can be seen on ESPN+. TG
Photos courtesy UA Athletics
