Postgame Analysis: Alabama Basketball Beats Norfolk State [VIDEO]

The Alabama men’s basketball team (9-3) took care of Norfolk State (5-10) on Saturday afternoon at Coleman Coliseum, recording a 68-49 victory in its final non-conference game. The 49 points are the fewest allowed this season by the Crimson Tide.

Alabama held a 33-28 lead at halftime thanks in large part to its three-point shooting, sinking six shots from behind the arc. The Tide recorded seven points from the foul line compared to only two for the Spartans and also enjoyed a 19-11 rebounding advantage. Senior Retin Obasohan poured in 14 points in the half to lead all scorers, while junior Michael Kessens grabbed eight rebounds for the Tide.

Alabama began the second half with a 15-5 run to push its lead to 48-33. Norfolk State would make just seven of its 28 shots from the field in the half while the Tide started 9-of-12. Alabama finished an impressive 50 percent (12-for-24) from the floor after halftime.

Obasohan tied his career high with 23 points, making nine of his 12 shot attempts. Edwards totaled 15 thanks to his five treys and sophomore Riley Norris scored 10. Kessens hauled in nine boards to lead the Tide in rebounding, while Norris had eight and junior Jimmie Taylor had seven.

Alabama will return to action on Thursday, Jan. 7 when it heads to Ole Miss to open up Southeastern Conference play. The game is set for an 8 p.m. CT tip and will be broadcast live on ESPNU.