Donta Hall scores 20, Alabama beats Southern 82-62

Nov 7, 2018, 04:15 am

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Donta Hall scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds while John Petty added 17 points Tuesday night to lead the Alabama to an 82-62 victory in their season-opening matchup against Southern.

Petty splashed five 3s and Alabama had a total of four players in double figures as Galin Smith put in 10 points while Texas transfer Tevin Mack added 10 points off the bench in his debut.

Alabama led for all but 24 seconds as the Tide pounded the glass for a 45-31 advantage over Southern.

Alabama also outscored Southern in paint points with a 32-22 mark.

BIG PICTURE

Southern played Alabama close early, but the size advantage was too much for the Jaguars. Southern also struggled shooting from 3-point range, making 3 of 17 attempts (18 percent). Eddie Reese scored 16 and Aaron Ray added 10 points.

Alabama coach Avery Johnson stressed that the Crimson Tide would do more scoring by committee with Collin Sexton moving on to the NBA after one season and Tuesday night was a good step in that direction. Herbert Jones and Alex Reese both added eight points each and Kira Lewis dished seven assists in his debut. Lewis, who reclassified to join the team this fall, earned the start with Dazon Ingram out due to a leg injury. Ingram is still considered day-to-day.

UP NEXT

Southern is back on the road on Saturday with a trip to Baylor.

Alabama hosts Appalachian State on Sunday as a part of the Charleston Classic.