NCAA Basketball: Alabama, Duke, Marquette rise in latest top 25 power rankings

7. Alabama (4-1)

Nate Oats has built Alabama into a national contender, and he solidified that success with last year’s trip to the Final Four. He’s brought incredible talent to Tuscaloosa in a major way, but he also gets this Alabama squad ready to play on a regular basis. The Crimson Tide are regularly facing significant challenges in nonconference play and are the most battle-tested team in the SEC, leading to last week’s tough loss at Purdue.

Another opportunity presented itself this week, and Alabama was on the right side this time around. The Crimson Tide headed to Birmingham to face Illinois and defeated the Fighting Illini 100-87, hitting triple-digits for the second time this season. The performance was a massive success for the offense, led by 23 points and 8 rebounds from Grant Nelson and an 18-point outing off the bench from Aden Holloway.

Part of the reason for Alabama’s success is Mark Sears, one of last season’s top scorers who’s back for his final ride in college ball. Shockingly, the Crimson Tide put on that show against Illinois in a game where Sears was held scoreless. This roster is deep with talent and potential and the Crimson Tide can hang with any team this season. They’ll need Sears and plenty more next week, heading to the Players Era Festival which will start with a major challenge against Houston.