Alabama Sweeps Illinois 79-58 In NIT Opener

 Levi Randolph had 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists to help Alabama beat Illinois 79-58 on Tuesday in the first round of the NIT.

 Alabama (19-14) played its first game without head coach Anthony Grant, who was fired Sunday afternoon and replaced by interim coach John Brannen.
 
 Alabama shot 59.6 percent from the field overall, including 8 of 15 from 3-point range. Rodney Cooper added 19 points.
 
 Malcolm Hill led Illinois (19-14) with 22 points and six assists. The Fighting Illini shot 32.3 percent from the field, including just 7 of 24 from beyond the arc.
 
 Alabama trailed for only 13 seconds in the game, falling behind 4-3 early in the first half.
 
The Crimson Tide will face Miami in the second round.