The Crimson Tide shot 44 free throws, but hit just 29. The 3-point shooting was off, too, as Alabama hit 6 of 31 from long range. Alabama was fortunate the Red Wolves were equally unimpressive in those categories, going 23 of 36 from the line and 6 of 28 from 3-point range.

Here are 13 takeaways from the rematch: Alabama listed guards Labaron Philon and Mark Sears, forward Jarin Stevenson and Derrion Reid, along with center Clifford Omoruyi. Arkansas State starters included guards Derrian Ford, Taryn Todd and Terrance Ford Jr. with Rashaud Marshall and Kobe Julien at forward.

Former Alabama basketball assistant coach Bryan Hodgson was seen under the hood of Arkansas State's bus en route to Tuscaloosa on Thursday.

On Friday night, No. 2 Alabama basketball slogged through a tough 88-79 victory over Arkansas State, led by former Alabama assistant coach Bryan Hodgson. Arkansas State didn’t make it easy, slowing the game down and forcing Alabama to dig deep to avoid a potential upset.