BOX SCORE (PDF)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford men's basketball team fell behind early and made a big comeback in the second half, but eventually fell to Alabama, 105-87 Wednesday evening at Legacy Arena in the inaugural Chick-fil-A Birmingham Classic.
 
Samford trailed by as many as 25 points in the second half, but came back to cut the lead to six points before eventually falling. With the loss, Samford falls to 6-7 on the season. Alabama improves to 5-5 with the win.


 
FROM THE BOX SCORE

• Samford was led by Alabama transfer Brandon Austin with 21 points.
• Josh Sharkey had 18 points and 15 assists.
• Robert Allen scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
• Jalen Dupree added 16 points for the Bulldogs.
• John Petty led Alabama with 39 points, making 10-of-13 from three-point range.

 
GAME HIGHLIGHTS

• Alabama got off to a hot start, scoring the first 13 points of the contest.
• After Samford cut the lead to 13-2, Alabama went on a 9-0 run to push its lead to 22-2 with 16:06 left in the first half after a three-pointer by Petty.
• Samford fought back to cut the lead to 15 at 26-11 with 13:08 left in the first half after a jumper by Austin.
• Alabama pushed its lead out to as many as 25 points in the first half and the Crimson Tide took a 57-37 lead into the locker room at halftime.
• Alabama pushed its lead back out to 25 points at 66-41 with 17:06 left in the second half.
• Samford fought back to cut the lead to eight points at 73-65 with 12:52 to go after a three-pointer by Sharkey.
• The Bulldogs closed to within six points at 83-77 with 9:43 left after a three-pointer by Allen.
• With Samford trailing, 90-84, Alabama went on an 8-0 run to push its lead to 98-84 with 4:40 left after a three-point play by Petty.
• Alabama pulled away late for the 105-87 win.

 
UP NEXT

• Samford will play at Georgetown Saturday at 11 a.m. (CT) at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.