Arkansas State nearly upset No. 2 Alabama on Friday night, but eventually fell 88-79 at Coleman Coliseum.

The Red Wolves (1-1) tied the game at 70 with less than eight minutes left, but Alabama (2-0) secured the win with crucial shots and free throws.

Arkansas State's 79 points are the most against a top-25 team since they scored 80 against No. 11 Wichita State in December 2017.

Both teams shot 40 percent from the field, combining for 80 free-throw attempts. Arkansas State made 23 of 36 free throws (63.9 percent), while Alabama hit 28 of 44 (63.6 percent). Alabama outrebounded Arkansas State 50-41, with 14 offensive rebounds.

Three Red Wolves scored in double figures, led by Kobe Julien with 20 points, 10 of which were free throws. Taryn Todd added 18 points, and Rashaud Marshall had a career-high 11 points and eight rebounds.

Mark Sears led Alabama with 19 points, while Clifford Omoruyi, Grant Nelson, and Labaron Philon each scored 12, and Derrion Reid had 10. Omoruyi also led all rebounders with nine.

Arkansas State took an early lead with a Julien three-pointer, but Alabama built a 16-point lead with 6:01 left in the first half. The Red Wolves closed the half on an 18-5 run to trail by three at halftime.

In the second half, Arkansas State stayed within seven points until Reid's three-pointer with 10:11 left put Alabama ahead by 10. Arkansas State tied the game at 70 with 7:08 remaining after an 11-1 run capped by a Joseph Pinion basket. Alabama extended its lead to 11 with under two minutes left, but Julien brought Arkansas State within seven with two free throws in the final 30 seconds. Alabama held on, sealing the win with two free throws from Philon.

Arkansas State returns home for a three-game stretch starting Tuesday, Nov. 12, against Little Rock at 7 p.m. at First National Bank Arena. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.