Mark Sears led the highest-scoring offense in the country with 30 points, and fourth-seeded Alabama had no problem making shots in its NCAA Tournament opener, racing past No. 13 seed Charleston 109-96.
Alabama guard Mark Sears shoots next to Charleston forward Ben Burnham during the second half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament in Spokane, Wash., Friday, March 22, 2024. Alabama guard Rylan Griffen dunks during the second half of a first-round college basketball game against Charleston in the NCAA Tournament in Spokane, Wash., Friday, March 22, 2024.
Sears was the catalyst, turning a close game into a blowout with a pair of surges late in the first half and to begin the second. The second-team AP All-American hit the 30-point mark for the fourth time this season and helped get others involved. Sears made 9 of 13 shots, was 9 of 11 at the foul line and was equally troublesome for Charleston whether spotting up from deep or driving to the rim.
Sears also drew the primary task of trying to slow down Charleston’s leading scorer, Reyne Smith. He and his teammates succeeded as Smith finished with 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting.Zach Edey has first 30-20 March Madness game since 1995, No. 1 seed Purdue routs Grambling StateLatrell Wrightsell Jr. had 17 points for Alabama despite missing a chunk of the first half after his nose got smashed colliding with the back of the head of a Charleston player. Aaron Estrada scored 13.
Alabama will face either No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s or No. 12 seed Grand Canyon in the second round of the West Region on Sunday.