The Alabama Crimson Tide took down the Montevallo Falcons, 81-67, in the team's first and only exhibition play of the season on Monday evening at Coleman Coliseum. Senior guard Levi Randolph led the team with 22 points while grabbing six rebounds.
"First, I would like to give credit to Montevallo," Alabama Head CoachAnthony Grant said. "Those guys came in and gave us a great game today. We had some careless turnovers that we will correct, but overall, I was pleased with the performance tonight."
Sophomore forward Shannon Hale contributed 17 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while senior guard Rodney Cooper scored 15 points and collected seven rebounds to go with a team-high three steals. All nine Alabama players that got into the game scored and helped the Tide hold a lead throughout the game. UA played without junior guards Ricky Tarrant and Retin Obasohan, as well as sophomore forward Michael Kessens, all of which were nursing injuries.
Alabama got off to a quick start by going on a 10-0 run over the first four minutes capped off by a Rodney Cooper three-point shot. The Tide and Falcons battled back in forth, but Alabama went into the half with an eight-point lead, 41-33.
Montevallo made multiple runs in the second half and cut the lead to 68-65 with 1:45 remaining, but the Tide went on a 13-2 run to put the game away. Alabama shot 50 percent (26-of-52) from the field and 71.4 percent (20-of-28) from the free-throw line.
"Obviously, we were short-handed, but I thought our young guys came in and gave us some good energy, veterans gave us great leadership," Grand added. "Overall, for it to be the first exhibition game overall pretty pleased. We'll look at the film and get ready for Friday."
The Crimson Tide begins regular season play at home against Towson on Friday, Nov. 14, in the CBE Hall of Fame Classic. The game tips off at 8 p.m. CT and can be heard on the Crimson Tide Sports Network.
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