Alabama
3-1
Ball State University
1-3
Four Players Reach Double Figures to Lead Alabama Past Ball State, 79-61, in Charleston Classic
11/16/2018 3:37:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Tevin Mack led the Tide with 20 points while Dazon Ingram added 11 points and five assists off the bench
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Alabama men's basketball team cruised past the Ball State Cardinals, 79-61, Friday afternoon in the second round of the Charleston Classic in TD Arena on the campus of the College of Charleston.
The Crimson Tide used a balance scoring attack as four players reached double figures on the afternoon. Junior Tevin Mack, a native of South Carolina, put on a show for his hometown crowd as he led all players with 20 points, including knocking down 5-of-9 shots from beyond the arc. Senior Donta Hall recorded his second double-double of the season and seventh of his career with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore Herbert Jones collected 13 points and three assists, while junior Dazon Ingram had a strong showing off the bench, adding 11 points and five assists.
"I am really proud of our team and I thought we played with maximum energy on both ends of the floor," Alabama head coach Avery Johnson said. "Ball State is a veteran team and they know what they are doing. Much better effort of defending the three-point line – especially in the second half. We rebounded the ball and had a balanced scoring attack. We are not going to be very good when one guy gets double figures. I think it really energized our team and I think (Tevin) Mack and Dazon both gave us a huge lift today."
The Crimson Tide shot 50.8 percent from the field (33-of-65) and registered 22 assists. On the defensive end, Alabama swatted five shots and snagged four steals, while forcing 15 turnovers, which resulted in a 21-12 advantage in points off turnovers.
After the Cardinals (1-3) opened the game with the first basket, however, the Crimson Tide (3-1) answered with a 13-0 run and never looked back. Alabama's stifling defense caused Ball State to go on a scoreless drought the last three minutes of the first half, as the Tide entered halftime with a 13-point (34-21) lead.
Alabama continued to stretch its lead in the second half. Ball State was able to whittle the lead down to 13, 42-29, with 15:53 left to play, but the Tide responded with a 7-0 run over the next two minutes to extend its lead to 20 points, 49-29. UA led by as many as 21 points before settling for the 19-point victory.
Sophomore John Petty Jr. finished the game with a career-high seven assists, while freshman Kira Lewis Jr. added eight points, three assists and three steals in the victory.
The Crimson Tide will play its final game of the Charleston Classic on Sunday afternoon when it faces Appalachian State or Wichita State at 12:30 p.m. CT on ESPNU.
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