Alabama basketball is staring down a critical moment in its season as it looks to avoid a third straight home loss. The Crimson Tide return to Coleman Coliseum on Tuesday night for a mid-week SEC clash with Missouri - a game that carries more weight than just another conference matchup.
This one’s about momentum, pride, and a little bit of payback.
Last January, Missouri stunned Alabama with a 110-98 upset, a game that still lingers in the minds of Tide fans. Now, with the Tigers (14-6, 4-3 SEC) rolling into Tuscaloosa and Alabama (13-6, 3-3 SEC) trying to shake off a tough road loss to Tennessee, the stakes are high.
The tip-off, originally set for later in the evening, has been bumped up to 7 p.m. CT due to weather-related schedule shifts across the college hoops landscape.
How to Watch
Fans can catch the action on SEC Network, with Kevin Fitzgerald and King McClure on the call. Streaming options include Fubo, Sling, and ESPN+.
The Bediako Factor
One of the biggest storylines heading into Tuesday’s matchup is the return of Charles Bediako. The 7-foot center, currently playing in the G League, was cleared to appear again for Alabama and made his season debut against Tennessee.
His presence brings a much-needed interior boost for the Tide, who’ve been leaning heavily on their perimeter game all season. Against a physical Missouri squad, Bediako’s size and rim protection could be a difference-maker.
Where Alabama Stands
Alabama's season has been a rollercoaster of high-scoring wins and narrow losses. The Tide have shown they can hang with anyone - just ask Kentucky, Illinois, or Clemson - but consistency has been elusive.
They’ve dropped three of their last five games, including back-to-back home losses to Texas and Tennessee. This Missouri game is a chance to reset the tone before heading into a tough February stretch that includes road trips to Florida, Auburn, and Ole Miss.
A Look Back at the Season So Far
Here’s a quick rundown of Alabama’s journey to this point:
- They opened the season strong with a dominant win over North Dakota and a shootout victory at Madison Square Garden over St. John’s.
- A close loss to Purdue was followed by a gritty win over Illinois in Chicago.
- In Las Vegas at the Players Era Festival, they dropped one to Gonzaga but bounced back with big wins over UNLV and Maryland.
- December brought more offensive fireworks, including a 97-point outing against UTSA and a 104-93 win over USF.
- SEC play has been a mixed bag - a big win over Kentucky, a stumble at Vanderbilt, and a narrow loss to Texas.
But they’ve also picked up road wins at Mississippi State and Oklahoma, showing they can battle in tough environments.
What’s Next
After Missouri, Alabama hits the road for a matchup with Florida, then hosts Texas A&M before back-to-back road trips to Auburn and Ole Miss. It’s a stretch that could define their seeding in the SEC Tournament - and possibly their NCAA Tournament outlook.
But first, they’ve got to handle business at home.
Missouri brings a balanced attack and a chip on their shoulder, too. And if last year’s meeting is any indication, this one could turn into another high-octane affair. For Alabama, it’s not just about getting back in the win column - it’s about defending their home court, regaining rhythm, and proving they’re still a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.