Alabama coach Nate Oats sent a message with the benching of star Mark Sears. Here's what Oats said of his decision to bench Sears vs. LSU:

After Alabama basketball's defense fell apart in the second half against Vanderbilt, the Crimson Tide isn't overlooking sharp-shooting Cam Carter.

Alabama basketball star guard Mark Sears was benched in the second half of the Crimson Tide's win over LSU. Here's what coach Nate Oats said about it.

Nate Oats gave an update on Alabama basketball's Houston Mallette, who has been out since Texas A&M, while previewing LSU on Friday.

And speaking of college basketball, the No. 4-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide has already succumbed to this practically inevitable concept when it fell to Ole Miss at home on Jan. 14 in what head coach Nate Oats described as a "disgusting" loss.

Here's what Alabama basketball's coach said aobut Houston Mallette and Derrion Reid before the Tide faces LSU.

Just days after reaching the 2,500 point milestone, Alabama guard Mark Sears was benched in the 2nd half against LSU

Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats praised Mark Sears' response after he was benched against LSU, but did not say whether he would start at Mississippi State.

Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats responded to criticism received after the surprise benching of a Crimson Tide player. He doubled down on his stance

Will Alabama basketball's Mark Sears start after benching? Nate Oats doesn't 'really know' IS 'CY' THAT GUY? Chris Youngblood shines in first start for Alabama

I wasn't happy with the flagrant foul," Oats said Wednesday. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. MEMORY LANE:Ex-Alabama basketball player says Nate Oats was 'not capping ...