Thu Jan 30 02:10:00 UTC 2025: **Alabama’s Sears Returns to Starting Lineup After Benching**
STARKVILLE, MS – Alabama basketball star Mark Sears returned to the starting lineup Wednesday night against Mississippi State after being benched for the entire second half of Saturday’s game against LSU. Coach Nate Oats confirmed that the benching, which saw the preseason Player of the Year held scoreless in the first half against LSU, was a disciplinary measure.
“Sometimes you need somebody to push you a little bit,” Oats explained. He likened the decision to parental discipline, emphasizing his desire to improve Sears’ performance. While Sears’ shooting percentages have decreased this season, Oats clarified that the benching wasn’t solely performance-based, but also a matter of improving his defensive effort and leadership. “We need his leadership. We need his defensive ability,” Oats stated.
Sears, a key player in Alabama’s Final Four run last season, is averaging 18.1 points per game this year. His return to the starting lineup is expected to bolster the No. 4 Crimson Tide’s chances against the No. 14 Bulldogs.
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