Grant Nelson delivered a standout performance with 23 points and 10 rebounds in his return to his home state, helping No. 6 Alabama to a hard-fought 97-90 victory over North Dakota on Wednesday night. Despite a strong individual effort from North Dakota’s Treysen Eaglestaff, who scored a career-high 40 points and drained eight 3-pointers, the Crimson Tide managed to hold off the underdog Fighting Hawks in a thrilling contest.
Nelson, who hails from Devils Lake, just 90 minutes from Grand Forks, is in his second season at Alabama after transferring from North Dakota State. The game was scheduled as a gesture of goodwill by Alabama head coach Nate Oats, allowing Nelson to play in front of family and friends. The game, however, ended up being much closer than expected, with Alabama overcoming a sluggish start to secure the win.
Alabama’s offense was led by Mark Sears, who contributed 23 points, and Labaron Philon, who added 16. The Crimson Tide initially struggled in the first half, committing 13 turnovers and shooting poorly. They missed nine of their first 12 shots, and North Dakota capitalized on the mistakes to lead for most of the first half. The Fighting Hawks, who were heavy underdogs at 24.5 points, played with great intensity, and back-to-back 3-pointers from Amar Kuljuhovic and Eaglestaff gave them a nine-point lead. However, Alabama managed to close the gap, entering halftime with a 38-35 deficit.
Despite the slow start, Alabama made a strong comeback in the second half. The Crimson Tide shot an impressive 59% from the field in the second half and only committed one turnover, which allowed them to take control of the game. Alabama’s defense also improved, and they were able to stifle Eaglestaff’s scoring efforts late in the game.
One of the key moments came late in the game when Alabama’s Nelson scored a crucial inside basket and then sank two free throws to give Alabama an 89-85 lead after North Dakota had managed to tie the game. Nelson also grabbed a key rebound off a missed 3-pointer from Mark Sears, and the Tide sealed the win with free throws in the final moments. This was a much-needed victory for Alabama, who had been battling adversity, especially on the road. Oats mentioned in his postgame interview that facing such challenges could benefit his team in the long run.
For North Dakota, the loss extended their winless record against ranked opponents since moving up to Division I in the 2008-09 season, leaving them with a 0-11 record in such games. Eaglestaff’s performance, however, was a major highlight. The senior guard finished with a remarkable 40 points on 15-of-30 shooting, including 8-of-18 from beyond the arc. His shooting display kept North Dakota competitive throughout the game, and he was a constant threat for Alabama’s defense.
Despite Eaglestaff’s heroics, North Dakota could not find a way to outlast the Crimson Tide, who capitalized on their second-half adjustments. Alabama’s offensive firepower, led by Nelson, Sears, and Philon, was too much for the Fighting Hawks, who struggled with consistency after their strong first half.
The game served as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where upsets can happen, and the underdog can often make it a game. Alabama, though ranked highly, faced a tough challenge, but their resilience and ability to execute in the second half ensured they came away with the victory.
Looking ahead, Alabama will host Kent State on Sunday, aiming to build on this win and continue their strong start to the season. North Dakota, on the other hand, will return home to face Division II South Dakota Mines on Friday, hoping to bounce back from the tough loss.
In summary, the game showcased both individual brilliance and team resilience. Grant Nelson’s performance in his home state was memorable, but it was Eaglestaff’s career night that nearly led to a major upset. Alabama’s win, while hard-earned, demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity, and it was a victory that highlighted the unpredictable nature of college basketball. The Crimson Tide will take confidence from the win, knowing that they were tested and emerged victorious in a challenging road game.
