FROM COLEMAN COLISEUM – Mark Sears has made a habit of winning at Alabama—and of torching Kentucky’s defense.
With the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide entering Saturday’s SEC showdown on a two-game skid, the senior guard knew it was time to take charge. And he delivered in style. Sears erupted for 30 points, guiding Alabama to a 96-83 victory over No. 17 Kentucky in front of an electric home crowd.
Sears had already punished Mark Pope’s squad once this season, dropping 16 of his 24 points in the second half to fuel Alabama’s 102-97 win in Lexington on Jan. 18—a game that kickstarted Kentucky’s midseason struggles. On Saturday, Sears ran circles around the Wildcats’ defense once again, making all 11 of his free throw attempts while also contributing 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
He wasn’t alone in the effort. Aden Holloway provided a major boost off the bench, scoring 19 points and pulling down 4 rebounds. The Crimson Tide were on fire offensively, shooting 52.5% from the field, as Kentucky struggled to slow them down for the second time this season.
While Koby Brea led the Wildcats with 20 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome their 9-of-26 shooting from beyond the arc. Kentucky has now lost six of its last 10 games, a downward spiral that started with their first defeat to Alabama. The Wildcats now sit at 18-9 overall and 7-7 in the SEC, while Alabama improves to 22-5 with an 11-3 conference record, thanks in large part to another dominant performance from Sears.
