TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Richard Hendrix scored 22 points and pulled down 23 rebounds to lead Alabama to a 84-72 victory over Troy in the season opener for both schools.

Hendrix lost 25 pounds during the off season and showed off his slimmed down body as he scored eight of Alabama's first ten points and dominated the boards.

Many of Hendrix points came on powerful dunks from under the basket.

Demetrius Jemison also scored a double-double for Alabama, getting 15 points and 10 rebounds. Justin Tubbs added 13 points for Alabama, while Mykail Riley had 11.

It was the first game for freshman Rico Pickett, starting in place of star point guard Ronald Steele, who is taking a redshirt year after having surgery on both knees.

Leading scorer for the Trojans was O'Darien Bassett with 17 points, while Justin Jonas had 15 and Tracey Macon 13.

Jonas is a former Alabama player.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)