CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands -- The Crimson Tide showed that even without part of its "soul," it could take care of business.
Alabama's starting center Jermareo Davidson wasn't with the team on Friday. He was stateside, mourning the death of his girlfriend in a car accident last week.
"We missed him a lot, there's no question," coach Mark Gottfried said.
Teammate Ronald Steele said it felt like something was missing.
"Jermareo Davidson, obviously he's a big part of our team's soul," Steele said.
Steele led a short-handed No. 10 Alabama past Middle Tennessee 71-62 Friday in the opening round of the Paradise Jam tournament.
Steele had 20 points and four assists for the Crimson Tide
Richard Hendrix added 16 points and eight rebounds for Alabama (2-0), and Alonzo Gee had 12 points and six rebounds.
Tim Blue scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Blue Raiders (1-2), who shot 40 percent from the free-throw line in the first half and 50 percent for the game.
Kevin Kanaskie's 3-pointer narrowed Alabama's lead to five with 6:20 left, but the Blue Raiders got no closer.
Davidson, who had 17 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks versus Jackson State on Nov. 10, was expected to join the team Saturday, said coach Mark Gottfried. It was unclear whether he will play Sunday when Alabama faces either Toledo or Iowa.
Freshman Yamene Coleman started in Davidson's place and finished with five points.
With eight fouls to Alabama's one, Blue Raiders coach Kermit Davis drew a technical foul with 13:30 left in the first half for arguing with referees.
Alabama has won all six meetings with Middle Tennessee State.
Alabama plays Iowa on Sunday and Middle Tennessee State plays Toledo Saturday in the second round of the four-day tournament.
