Charles Bediako makes immediate impact for No. 17 Alabama in his return to college basketball

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Charles Bediako made an immediate impact for No. 17 Alabama in his first college action in nearly three years Saturday night against Tennessee.

The 7-footer had eight points — six on dunks — a rebound, a steal and a block in 11 minutes in the first half. He checked into the game amid a rousing ovation with 16:11 to play and helped the Crimson Tide score 26 points in the paint while building a 39-36 lead at the break. He scored on an inbounds pick-and-roll play, two alley-oop passes and a layup.