4 interesting takeaways from Alabama basketball's bludgeoning of UTSA

Latrell Wrightsell made his return for Alabama basketball after missing four straight games, and the Crimson Tide had little trouble dispatching of UTSA in dominant fashion on Sunday in Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama broke out to a 56-17 lead at halftime and cruised to a 97-55 win in a tune-up game before Saturday's showdown in Birmingham against Arizona.

Both Aden Holloway and Keitenn Bristow remained out with injuries, though Nate Oats mentioned that Holloway should be good to go for the Arizona game this weekend.

Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen was also a late scratch with back spasms, which led to freshman Amari Allen making his second consecutive start.

The most important observations from Alabama's dominant win over UTSA

1. Jalil Bethea looks the part

In his second game in an Alabama uniform, Miami (FL) transfer Jalil Bethea got more of an extended run. After only playing six minutes against Clemson on Wednesday, Bethea played 22 minutes against UTSA, and he showed the promise that made him a 5-star recruit out of high school.

Bethea scored 21 points, connecting on 5-of-10 shooting from three-point range. He added six rebounds and was pretty active defensively.

Bethea increases the ceiling of this team. Alabama's backcourt already looked elite. Now, with Bethea debuting, and Aden Holloway likely returning this weekend, the depth and overall strength of this backcourt have risen to a ridiculous level.

2. Labaron Philon gets whatever he wants

Labaron Philon continues to play like one of the best players in college basketball. In almost effortless fashion against UTSA, Philon scored 20 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out six assists.

Any time Alabama needs a bucket, Philon can go get it. He gets to the rim anytime he wants, and he's so crafty as a finisher. His three-point shooting uptick is real, too. He connected on 3-of-6 from downtown and is now over 40% from three-point range for the season.

Philon continued his early case to be in the SEC and National Player of the Year conversation.

3. Alabama needs better shooting from Latrell Wrightsell and Houston Mallette

It's not cause for real concern yet, but the early-season shooting issues from Latrell Wrightsell and Houston Mallette have been surprising. Both are proven 40%+ three-point shooters, and right now neither is having much success.

Wrightsell is shaking off the rust of being out for a couple of weeks, but he came into the game only hitting 33% from three, and then went 2-of-14 against UTSA. He and Mallette combined to go 2-of-19 on Sunday.

Mallette is now shooting in the low 30% as well, and with Bethea's return, he could see fewer minutes moving forward, particularly with Holloway returning to the lineup soon.

4. Amari Allen might be a one-and-done

Freshman Amari Allen is looking more and more like a one-and-done. He made his second straight start on Sunday, and while he didn't put up eye-popping numbers, he continued his impressive start to his first, and perhaps only, season.

Allen had his second straight double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists. He also brought the house down with a ridiculous dunk:

Allen is beginning to garner some NBA Draft buzz. It's easy to see why.