Amari Allen just dropped the fifth triple-double in Alabama basketball history, absolutely dominating with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists as No. 20 Alabama took down Arkansas State 101-86. The guy was on fire, cementing his name in the record books for the Crimson Tide.
History Made on the Hardwood
Allen notched his 10th assist on a Brandon Garrison layup with just over six minutes left in the game, officially locking in that incredible triple-double. But before ‘Bama could run away with it, they actually had to battle back. Seriously, the Crimson Tide missed 16 of their first 19 shots. Arkansas State, led by Layne Taylor, who sunk his first three 3-pointers and finished with 20 points and six assists, jumped out to a 19-11 lead. Chaz Watson added 15 points, and Amadou Doumbia chipped in with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Red Wolves.
But Alabama wasn’t backing down. They found their rhythm, especially on the glass, pulling down 24 second-chance points before halftime. Then, Allen took over, draining back-to-back 3-pointers, one from practically the logo! Drew Fielder then capped a monstrous 21-2 run with another triple, completely flipping the script and giving Alabama a 51-34 lead going into the break. Qayden Samuels led the Tide in scoring with 17 points, and Fielder contributed 16. Arkansas State tried to rally, with Jordan Pyke scoring seven of his 12 points during an 11-0 run that cut the lead to 67-55, but Tarris Bouie immediately answered with a three-pointer, slamming the door shut on any comeback hopes.
A Scare, Suspensions, and What’s Next
While Allen’s historic night was epic, a moment that sent chills through fans happened when he landed awkwardly, grabbing his right ankle. He needed help off the floor, which is the absolute last thing you want to see from your star player, especially after such a performance. Thankfully, he did return to the bench after the media timeout, so here’s hoping it’s nothing serious. Arkansas State also had their own scare when Amadou Doumbia went straight to the locker room after being slow to get up.
On the good news front, Alabama guard Aden Holloway served the final game of his five-game suspension stemming from a March arrest on drug charges that were later dismissed. Having him back in the lineup is a big boost. Freshman forward Jaxon Richardson, however, sat out with an upper-body injury. Allen now joins a super exclusive club, standing alongside Aaron Estrada (2024), Kira Lewis Jr. (2020), and Roy Rodgers (who did it twice in 1996) as the only Alabama players to record a triple-double. That’s some serious company.
Alabama is now sitting pretty at 2-0, while Arkansas State is 1-1. The Crimson Tide will be back on their home court Monday, hosting Oakland. Arkansas State will host UT Martin on Tuesday. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed that Allen’s ankle is truly okay, because that kind of electric talent is going to be vital for Alabama’s season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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