Alabama 96, Sam Houston 74: No. 20 Tide Forces 23 Turnovers in 2026-27 Season Opener (Recap)
Final: Alabama 96, Sam Houston 74. No. 20 Alabama opened the 2026-27 men’s basketball season with a 22-point win Tuesday night at Coleman Coliseum. London Jemison and Drew Fielder scored 15 points each, and the Tide forced 23 turnovers.
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How did Alabama beat Sam Houston?
Defense did it. Alabama had 17 steals and 10 blocks, and it scored 33 points off Sam Houston’s 23 turnovers. That fed 41 fast-break points and a 48-18 edge in the paint.
The offense took a while to settle. Alabama went more than seven minutes before its first 3-pointer but never trailed, and it led 40-29 at halftime. Brandon Garrison scored on the first possession of the second half, and a Jemison 3-pointer made it 45-29. The lead reached 71-45 with 11 minutes left and later hit 30 on a Fielder layup.
Jemison was 6-of-7 from the field with three 3-pointers. Fielder, a Boise State transfer, added 6 rebounds. Freshman Tarris Bouie had 13 points and 7 rebounds in his first college game, and Amari Allen scored 12. Qayden Samuels had 9 points, a team-high 5 assists and 4 steals. Keitenn Bristow had 4 blocks, and freshman Jaxon Richardson got his first college points on a dunk.
Sam Houston made it uncomfortable from deep and on the glass. The Bearkats hit 15-of-33 from 3-point range, including 10-of-18 in the second half, and won the rebounding battle 45-42. Jacobe Coleman led them with 16 points, 6 rebounds and four 3-pointers. Alabama coach Nate Oats said his team had “never played this poorly on offense” and still scored 96.
Scoring summary
| Team | 1st half | 2nd half | Final |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Houston | 29 | 45 | 74 |
| Alabama | 40 | 56 | 96 |
Key stats
| Stat | Alabama | Sam Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Field goal % | 48.0% | 38.5% |
| 3-point % | 32.3% | 45.5% |
| Free throw % | 73.7% | 56.3% |
| Rebounds | 42 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 15 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 23 |
| Steals | 17 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 18 |
| Second-chance points | 12 | 14 |
Who does Alabama play next?
Alabama (1-0) hosts Arkansas State on Friday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m. CT at Coleman Coliseum on SEC Network+. Oakland follows on Monday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network+, and Seton Hall visits on Friday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
Where should you watch Alabama in Tuscaloosa?
The women’s team hosts New Orleans tonight at 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network+, and football plays at LSU on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC. For a spot with plenty of screens, use our guide to sports bars in Tuscaloosa. Our Tuscaloosa bars guide has more options, and tonight’s bar and food specials list the deals.
You must be 21+ to drink. Get home safe with UA’s 348-RIDE (205-348-7433) or a rideshare.
What was the final score of Alabama vs. Sam Houston?
Alabama won 96-74 on Nov. 3, 2026, at Coleman Coliseum. The Tide led 40-29 at halftime.
Who led Alabama in scoring against Sam Houston?
London Jemison and Drew Fielder each scored 15 points. Tarris Bouie had 13 and Amari Allen had 12, so four Alabama players reached double figures.
Did Sam Houston outrebound Alabama?
Yes. Sam Houston won the boards 45-42 and had 15 offensive rebounds to Alabama’s 13. Oats said after the game that his team needs to improve there.
Scores and statistics are from the official box score. Own a bar or restaurant near campus? Sponsor our game recaps.
Clay.
As founder of TuscaloosaStudentHousing.com, he combines that local knowledge with hands-on research of the Tuscaloosa rental market to publish practical, honest guides for University of Alabama students living off campus.
