It took a few starters for Max Scharnowski to figure out where to stand. The Alabama basketball senior forward was tasked with greeting the team’s starters during introductions, and for the first two, he was standing on the wrong side of the fog machine in Coleman Coliseum.

Eventually, Scharnowski figured out the issue and took several steps backward. Fortunately for Alabama, that was the only noticeable issue in the Crimson Tide’s opening-night 105-73 drubbing of Morehead State.

Newcomer Grant Nelson led the way for Alabama in his first game with the Tide since transferring in from North Dakota State. He finished with a team-leading 24 points, including a massive dunk in the second half, and also led with seven rebounds.

The Tide came out blazing hot, scoring the first nine points of the game and cruising from there. Alabama was led in the first half by newcomer Aaron Estrada, who finished the first frame with 14 points and the game with 16.

Alabama’s offense showed off its firepower throughout the first half. The defense had a few lapses, but not enough to matter significantly.

The two teams headed to the locker room with Alabama up 55-35. The Tide shot 58.6% from the field in the first half, and forced 10 turnovers defensively.

Around Coleman, all the signs of a new season were in place. The hard hats were back, and a student won a $200 barbecue gift card for sinking a shot from half-court during a timeout.

The new president of the Crimson Chaos student section, Jacob Pickle, received his plaid jacket from a group including athletics director Greg Bryne and Pamela Ratliff, mother of late Alabama hoops superfan Luke Ratliff. Brandon Miller, now of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, was in the house.

Basketball was back.

Alabama got right back to work after halftime. By the time the under-16 timeout rolled around, the Crimson Tide was up 67-45.

At the under-12, it was 74-50. The Eagles barely had a chance.

Riley Minix led Morehead State in the loss with 19 points. Jordan Lathon added 14.

Freshman Jarin Stevenson saw his first action in the game, and looked impressive in the second half. He showed off some shooting touch and finished with 12 points.

Mark Sears had 13 points and led Alabama with five assists. He tied with Stevenson for second on the team with five rebounds.

The night ended with the Alabama student section chanting “we want walk-ons”, along with the numbers of said walk-ons as time ticked away. Alabama moved to 1-0 on the season with the win.

Alabama will be back in action Friday against Indiana State in Coleman Coliseum.