Grant Nelson scored 23 points and Aden Holloway had 18 to lead No. 8 Alabama to a 100-87 win over No. 25 Illinois in a matchup of Elite Eight teams from last season.

And on Wednesday in Birmingham, Alabama, after No. 25 Illinois feasted on mid-major competition in three home wins to open the season, that adversity arrived in a tidal wave in the form of No. 8 Alabama.

No. 25 Illinois (3-1) lost its first game of the season on Wednesday night, falling to a talented No. 8 Alabama team. A 100-87 final

Alabama didn’t slow down even with a scoreless night from star Mark Sears. The preseason All-American guard watched from the bench as the eighth-ranked Crimson Tide held off No. 25 Illinois 100-87.

The Crimson Tide earned a much-needed ranked win after taking its first loss of the season last game against Purdue.