TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Mark Sears scored 19 points and No. 2 Alabama survived an upset scare on Friday, beating Arkansas State 88-79. The game was tied with seven minutes left before Alabama scored 11 of the next 13 points, three of them from Sears at the free throw line.

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.

Second-ranked Alabama might be tempted to look past its home game against McNeese State on Sunday, especially with a clash against No. 14 Purdue looming later this week. But coach

Following a sloppy 88-79 home victory over Arkansas State, No. 2 Alabama basketball is aiming for a strong statement win over McNeese on Monday night. The Cowbo