Alabama basketball still has plenty of games to play, and there's still plenty to learn about this team. So don't book tickets to Phoenix just yet.

But so far, the Crimson Tide has given no shortage of reasons to be encouraged after the season-opening four-game home stand.

An electric offense, a defense that has already improved, and veteran players leading the way are just a few reasons to like this version of the Crimson Tide.

Before Alabama advances into a much more difficult part of its schedule, it took care of business and then some against its first four opponents. Friday's game was no different. The No. 22 Crimson Tide beat Mercer 98-67 at Coleman Coliseum, falling two points shy of the fourth consecutive 100-point effort for Alabama.

Alabama rode a hot start offensively to victory; the Crimson Tide finished the first half shooting 23 of 29 (79%), marking the first time Alabama had shot 70% or better in one half since Nov. 29, 2019.

Here are observations and takeaways from the game between No. 22 Alabama (4-0) and Mercer (1-3).

HALF-COURT SHOT: Alabama fan with Dreamland BBQ connection hits half-court shot, wins $200 to rival BBQ joint

MARK SEARS: How conversation with LeBron James helped shape career of Alabama basketball's Mark Sears

Mercer can't handle Mark Sears' drive to basket

Another game, another night in which Sears played a key role in Alabama's success. His drives to the basket were darn near unstoppable for Mercer before halftime.

Time after time, Sears drove the lane and scored. By halftime, he tallied 19 points.

His final drive to the hoop of the first half riled up the crowd the most. Alabama only had a few seconds, but Sears managed to go down the court and make one more shot as time expired.

His teammates certainly appreciated his efforts. Rylan Griffen sprinted down the court to embrace him. As Sears trotted off the court into the tunnel, Aaron Estrada also ran up and hugged him as they went into the locker room together. With Sears leading the way, Alabama held a 32-12 edge for points in the paint at halftime.

He finished the game with 24 points (8 of 12) with six assists, five rebounds and a plus-minus of plus-32.

Nick Pringle making plays

Make that two games where Pringle has answered his coach's challenge.

Heading into the week, Nate Oats sent a challenge to Pringle in his Monday press conference to elevate his game and protect the rim better. Pringle took it to heart, then he improved Tuesday vs. South Alabama. And then he built on that performance vs. Mercer.

Pringle was blocking shots, grabbing rebounds and making his own shots, too, vs the Bears. He had a handful of dunks that energized the crowd as well.

Pringle tallied 14 points, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal over 19 minutes.

What's next?

The Crimson Tide will have a few days off before traveling to Niceville, Florida, to play in the Emerald Coast Classic. First, Alabama will face Ohio State on Friday (6 p.m., CBS Sports Network) before a matchup with either Oregon or Santa Clara on Saturday for a game at either 3 p.m. or 6 p.m.

Nick Kelly covers Alabama football and men's basketball for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him @_NickKelly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama basketball: Mark Sears, Nick Pringle shine in win over Mercer