College basketball fans in Tuscaloosa witnessed a showcase of offensive firepower on Monday night as the No. 18 Crimson Tide trounced the Oakland Golden Grizzlies 109-68 at Coleman Coliseum. The Tide’s guard London Jemison was the star of the night, delivering a perfect shooting night by making all seven of his field‑goal attempts, including six three‑pointers, to finish with 20 points.
Jemison’s flawless shooting sets the tone
Jemison’s efficiency sparked Alabama’s early lead. He went 6‑of‑6 from beyond the arc and added a layup, giving the Crimson Tide a 56‑29 advantage at halftime. The team shot 20‑of‑30 in the first half, with 11 of those makes coming from three‑point range. At one point, Alabama’s field‑goal percentage topped 70 percent, underscoring the offensive rhythm the team established early.
Aden Holloway returns and contributes
Freshman guard Aden Holloway made his season debut after serving a five‑game suspension related to a March arrest that was later dismissed. Holloway made an immediate impact, hitting two three‑pointers in the final two minutes of the first half and finishing with 12 points, all from long range. His return adds depth to Alabama’s backcourt and gives Coach Nate Oats another scoring option.
Supporting performances
Senior guard Amari Allen added 14 points and six assists, including two three‑pointers off the dribble that helped start the Tide’s scoring run. Freshman Jaxson Richardson, son of former NBA player Jason Richardson, electrified the crowd with an alley‑oop dunk off a pass from fellow freshman Anderson Diaz, further fueling the home‑court advantage.
Oakland’s effort
Oakland’s leading scorer was Nassim Mashhour, who posted 18 points on 5‑of‑13 shooting. Chris Fields Jr. contributed a double‑double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, seven of which came on the offensive glass. Despite a valiant effort, the Golden Grizzlies shot just 8‑of‑33 from the field and managed only 11 of 13 free throws.
Second‑half dominance
The Tide continued to widen the gap in the second half. Anderson Diaz hit three three‑pointers in the final two minutes, keeping the crowd energized as the scoreboard ticked upward. Tarris Bouie capped the night by sinking Alabama’s 21st three‑pointer with 4:51 left, extending the lead to 98‑58. The final minutes saw the Crimson Tide cruising to a 41‑point victory.
Implications for Alabama
With the win, Alabama improves to 3‑0 on the season and solidifies its position in the early rankings. The dominant performance highlights the team’s depth, shooting prowess, and ability to integrate returning players like Holloway without missing a beat. Fans can look forward to a promising campaign as the Tide continues to blend veteran leadership with emerging talent.
For local supporters, the game reinforced why college basketball remains a centerpiece of Tuscaloosa’s community life, offering a blend of high‑octane action, hometown pride, and a glimpse of the season’s potential.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.