The Alabama Crimson Tide brought in a top-three recruiting class for this season, and leaned on them in their season opener on Monday night. The Tide defeated the Longwood Lancers by a score of 75-54. Longwood played in the NCAA Tournament last year after winning the Big South Conference, and are favored to repeat this season. It is a quality, veteran team with plenty of big game experience — and nowhere near good enough.
Coach Nate Oats sent out a starting five of Brandon Miller, Mark Sears, Noah Clowney, Charles Bediako, and Nimari Burnett. Bediako is the only one of the quintet that suited up for the Tide last season.