TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 2 Alabama basketball survived an early-season scare Monday night as the Crimson Tide defeated the McNeese State Cowboys 72-64 to remain undefeated through its first three games of the season.

Alabama endured a scoring drought of over nine minutes in the second half, but was able to muster just enough offense to hold on for the win. Who carried the load offensively for the Crimson Tide amid the second half struggle? Graduate guard Latrell Wrightsell.

Wrightsell scored a season-high 15 points to go along with two rebounds and two assists as his season continues to heat up. The veteran guard missed significant portions of the offseason with an injury and started the season a bit slow, making just two of his first 13 three-point attempts in the first two games. His shooting stroke appeared to have returned Monday as he made five of nine from beyond the arc, including four in the second half to secure a win at Alabama.

“Yeah, I mean, that’s what we expected it to be,” Nate Oats said. “He’s another one who missed the exhibitions with injury so he’s just now back into his groove. One for nine, it’s not him, the last game. Some of these were good shots that he just missed. Some of it, you know, , you have to figure out what a good shot is, which isn’t hard to do if you don’t practice like he’s been gone for a month I had a much better feel. Honestly, I thought he turned down some that I wish he had shot tonight, he should have shot three or four more and you get 12 or 13 threes up, that would be great, because, in my opinion, he’s one of the best shooters in the country.”

Wrightsell’s 12 second-half points propelled the Crimson Tide into the second half, doubling forward Grant Nelson’s six points as Alabama’s offense struggled in the second frame. His third three-pointer of the second half extended the Crimson Tide’s lead to 21 before Alabama went ice cold.

McNeese State was able to cut Alabama’s lead to six at 60-54 as the underdogs rallied, but Wrightsell was at it again, making his fourth 3-pointer of the second half that extended the lead again to a little past five minutes to nine. to play, ending the drought and propelling Alabama to victory.

“I mean, I train every day,” Wrightsell said of his latest work. “I didn’t even realize it, but I’m just thankful for my teammates finding me when I’m open, trusting my shot and just getting to shoot when I’m ready.”

The Crimson Tide enter a challenging stretch of non-conference action beginning Friday against Purdue. Wrightsell’s return as one of the nation’s most dangerous shooters will help Alabama navigate the nation’s toughest non-conference schedule.