NCAA Basketball: Duke, Michigan State fall in latest top 25 power ranking

23. Alabama (2-0)

Boasting a pair of SEC titles in the last three seasons, it’s fair to say that Nate Oats has put Alabama back on the map in college basketball. His Crimson Tide team clearly doesn’t have Brandon Miller back this year, but have a combination of old and new talent that gives them a shot to be competitive in the SEC. Much like last season, this is a very strong offensive-minded squad.

An electric performance on opening night saw Alabama come out with a 105-73 win over Morehead State. The Crimson Tide shot well from all over the court and got a team-high 24 points and 7 rebounds out of Grant Nelson in his Alabama debut. They were in another high scoring affair a few days later, as the Crimson Tide won 102-80 against Indiana State. Fellow newcomer Aaron Estrada went off with 27 points while Mark Sears added 24 and Nelson had 20 points and 8 rebounds himself.

Few will complain about scoring 100 points in the first two games of the seasons, with the Crimson Tide’s only real issue early being on the defensive end. Still, these were two very solid victories to open the season and the Crimson Tide will get plenty of chances to prove themselves in the weeks to come. The only challenges next week are home dates against South Alabama and Mercer, so we might see two more similar results.