Nate Oats Provides Injury Update on Mark Sears Ahead of Big Tennessee Matchup

The Alabama senior guard is the SEC's leading scorer. Will he be available this weekend?

For the first time all season, Mark Sears did not reach double figures in scoring in Alabama's last game against Missouri. He came close with nine points, but an ankle injury in the first half limited what he was able to do through the remainder of the game. 

Overall he played 25 minutes and finished with nine points and six assists, but was clearly bothered by his ankle. He was able to rest the majority of the final minutes because the Crimson Tide was able to build up a large lead in the 93-75 win. 

Now, Alabama (12-5, 4-0 SEC) is preparing for its toughest SEC test yet with a road game at No. 6 Tennessee (13-4, 3-1 SEC) this Saturday. Sears' availability will play a major role in Alabama's upset chances in Knoxville this weekend. 

Alabama head coach Nate Oats met with the media on Friday afternoon from Knoxville and provided an update on Sears. 

"He's been able to fully practice these last two days," Oats said. "He's not 100 percent, but we haven't held him out of anything in practice. It's progressing every day so hopefully he's better tomorrow than he was today. He's the leading scorer in the SEC, so we're going to play him if he's anywhere close to 100 percent."

Sears is averaging 19.6 points per game to lead the conference and has been playing at an all-SEC level. The point guard keeps the offense flowing and has been able to create baskets when the rest of the team is struggling offensively. 

However if he isn't able to go, Alabama has some depth at the guard position. In his limited minutes against Missouri, other guards stepped up. Sophomore Rylan Griffen finished with a career high 21 points, and Aaron Estrada also added 21 points with eight rebounds and four assists. 

In other injury news, Oats said Mohamed Wague hasn't been able to practice much with his right foot injury, which limits his ability to play in the games. 

Alabama and Tennessee are scheduled for a 1 p.m. tipoff on Saturday inside Thompson-Bowling Arena on ESPN2. 

See also:

How to Watch: Alabama Basketball at No. 6 Tennessee