NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Mark Sears scored a game-high 21 points to help Alabama hold off a Vanderbilt rally in the final minutes and earn a 78-75 men’s basketball victory Saturday at Memorial Gymnasium.
Rylan Griffen added 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting for the Crimson Tide (9-5, 1-0 SEC), with Latrell Wrightsell Jr. scoring 11 as well.
The Commodores (5-9, 0-1 SEC) were led by Jason Rivera-Torres and Tyrin Lawrence, who each scored 20 points while finishing with six and five rebounds, respectively. Rivera-Torres recorded 17 of his career-high point total in the second half. Ezra Manjon chipped in with 16 points for the Dores.
Alabama shot 49.1 percent from the field overall, making 12-of-30 attempts from 3-point range, while finishing with a 41-34 rebounding advantage. Vandy connected on 40 percent from the floor, but was able to post 10 steals while forcing 16 turnovers.
The Dores are back in action on SEC Network Tuesday at South Carolina, with opening tip in Columbia scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.
