No. 12 Alabama topped Clemson in the ACC/SEC Challenge 90-84 on Wednesday night.
True freshmen played a major role in closing out the game, as forward Amari Allen dropped his first career double-double and forward London Jemison scored in double figures for his third straight game.
With guards Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. out of the lineup, head coach Nate Oats needed someone to step up — London Jemison took the call. The six-foot-eight Jemison hit three-of-his-six shots behind the arc, including a go-ahead three with less than nine minutes to go.
“London Jemison’s been stepping his game up,” Oats said postgame. “He showed he’s got some fight.”
Next to Jemison stepping up, Allen was arguably the key tonight for Alabama.
The freshman has grown into a star in his short time in Tuscaloosa, looking like a professional at just 19. Allen finished with a career high 20 points, but his eleven rebounds, four offensive, were a major part in the Crimson Tide’s win.
“I knew I was gonna have to be aggressive to help Labaron,” Allen said. “My teammates and Nate Oats feed me with confidence everyday.”
Clemson head coach Brad Brownell added postgame that he “loved” Allen’s game.
Allen, Jemison and Crimson Tide hoops will be back in action at home Sunday versus UTSA. Tipoff is tabbed for 1 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
