Despite poor shooting, No. 6 Alabama easily beats Kent State 81-54

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Alabama guard Mark Sears (1) works against Kent State guard Jalen Sullinger (13) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama guard Aden Holloway (2) shoots over Kent State center Cli’Ron Hornbeak (42) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama forward Derrion Reid (35) shoots past Kent State forward Donovan Hunter (55) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate (10) and Kent State forward VonCameron Davis (1) reach for a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama guard Labaron Philon (0) shoots with Kent State forward Anthony Morales (22) defending during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Kent State guard Mike Bekelja (15) rebounds the ball and draws a foul from Alabama forward Derrion Reid (35), during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Kent State head coach Rob Senderoff reacts to a play during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Kent State guard Marquis Barnett (2) shoots under the basket past Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Kent State forward VonCameron Davis (1) rebounds the ball over Alabama guard Chris Youngblood (8) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Kent State guard Jamal Sumlin (4) is seen at bottom of frame. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama shot 26% from 3-point range, 51% from the free throw line, committed 19 turnovers and still managed to beat Kent State 81-54 on Sunday.

Mark Sears led No. 6 Alabama with 16 points but also committed five turnovers; six of his 16 points came from the free throw line. The Crimson Tide (10-2) also got 13 points and three steals from Aden Holloway.

Clifford Omoruyi (14 rebounds) and Grant Nelson (12) played a big role in Alabama’s plus-20 rebounding margin.

Kent State (8-3) was led by nine points each from VonCameron Davis, Marquis Barnett and Delrecco Gillespie.

Takeaways

Kent State: Sixteen offensive rebounds is tied for the most Alabama has allowed all season long. Those offensive rebounds led to 14 second-chance points for Kent State.

Alabama: It was the worst offensive performance of the season for the Tide. Alabama committed 19 turnovers, continuing its struggles in that department. The team entered the game committing 12.82 turnovers per game, third-worst in the SEC, and has now committed 14 or more in all but one of its last seven games.

Key moment

Alabama held Kent State scoreless for nearly a 6-minute stretch around the midway point of the first half. The Golden Flashes missed 10 consecutive shots in that time and ultimately made only two of its first 21 attempts from the field. The scoreless streak allowed Alabama to build a 16-point lead that never got below 12 again.

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Key stat

Alabama attempted 35 free throws compared to 13 for the opponents, placing three Kent State starters in foul trouble and helping build a comfortable lead despite a subpar offensive performance.

Up next

Kent State waits a week for a non-conference home game against Heidelberg. Alabama also waits a week to play its final non-conference game of the season on Dec. 29 against South Dakota State.

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