The Alabama Crimson Tide opened up the 2014–2015 basketball season with a 81–67 victory in exhibition against in-state Division II foe Montevallo on Monday night at Coleman Coliseum.

Although several key players were held out for the Tide due to injury, Alabama showed a glimpse of what could be in the season to come.

Ricky Tarrant, Michael Kessens and Retin Obasohan failed to see the floor in the Crimson Tide’s opening game due to injury. All three players dressed out and participated in warm-ups, but were held out for precautionary reasons.

Their absences allowed for valuable minutes for some of the Tide’s young talent. All four freshmen saw action on Monday night and scored in their debuts at Coleman Coliseum.

Freshman guard Justin Coleman got the start at point guard and didn’t disappoint. The Birmingham, Alabama native finished with six points, six assists and four rebounds.

Coleman was extremely impressive at times and seemed to have total command over the offense.

Senior guard and captain Levi Randolph led the way for Alabama finishing with 22 points.

Despite picking up four early fouls, sophomore forward Shannon Hale added 17 points on an efficient 5-for–6 night from the floor.

Senior forward Rodney Cooper also added 15 points and seven rebounds on the night.

Although the Crimson Tide led the entire game, Montevallo didn’t allow Alabama to pull away down the stretch.

The Falcons were led by senior guard Troran Brown, who led all scorers with 24 points. Brown scored 30 points in Montevallo’s 95–72 loss to eventual national runner-up Kentucky in an exhibition last season.

Montevallo was the preseason favorite to win the Peach Belt Conference and was ranked No. 5 in the first Division II rankings.

Alabama will officially open up the season on Friday night at Coleman Coliseum against the Towson Tigers. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT. Television coverage of the Tide’s first game of the CBE Hall of Fame Classic will be provided by SEC Network+ and the WatchESPN family of apps.