On January 14, 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team suffered a surprising 74-64 loss to the Ole Miss Rebels at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. This defeat ended Alabama’s nine-game winning streak and marked their first conference loss of the season. The game was characterized by a series of uncharacteristic mistakes, including 21 turnovers and a season-low 64 points scored.
Alabama’s Performance
The Crimson Tide’s performance was notably lackluster. They committed 21 turnovers, many of which were unforced errors, and shot just 25% from three-point range. Additionally, they secured only four offensive rebounds throughout the game. These statistics highlight a significant departure from the team’s usual standards.
Nate Oats’ Reaction
Head coach Nate Oats did not hold back in his criticism of the team’s performance. He described the effort as “disgusting” and emphasized the lack of preparation and leadership, particularly from the fifth-year seniors. Oats stated, “With the amount of fifth-year seniors and the leadership that should be showing on this team—to have guys not come ready to play—it starts with me because I’m supposed to be the one motivating these guys, and I obviously didn’t motivate them very well to make sure they’re ready.”
He further expressed his frustration, saying, “We have to deserve to win, and we didn’t deserve to win this game. Ole Miss came in and they deserved to win this game.”
Ole Miss’ Performance
The Rebels, led by Malik Dia’s impressive 23 points and 19 rebounds, executed a well-prepared game plan. Their defense was particularly effective, forcing Alabama into numerous turnovers and limiting their offensive opportunities. This victory was significant for Ole Miss, marking their first win over an AP Top 5 team on the road in 35 attempts and their first win in Tuscaloosa since 2015.
Looking Ahead
This loss serves as a wake-up call for Alabama, highlighting areas that need improvement, including ball control, rebounding, and overall effort. The team will need to address these issues promptly, especially with a challenging matchup against the No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats on the horizon. Coach Oats’ candid assessment underscores the urgency for the team to refocus and prepare adequately for future games.
