Alabama’s Frontcourt Dominance Too Much for Missouri in SEC Clash
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - In a game that showcased physicality in the paint and a clear mismatch down low, Alabama’s big men made sure there was no doubt about who controlled the interior. Charles Bediako, in particular, was a force - both as a rim protector and as a finisher around the basket - as the Crimson Tide rolled past Missouri in SEC play at Coleman Coliseum.
From the opening tip, it was clear Alabama had a size and strength advantage. Bediako set the tone early, using his length to alter shots and his footwork to carve out space for high-percentage looks. His presence forced Missouri to adjust on both ends, often pulling help defenders into the paint and opening up clean looks for Alabama’s perimeter shooters.
But this wasn’t just about one player. Alabama’s entire frontcourt rotation brought energy and physicality.
Whether it was crashing the offensive glass, sealing off defenders in transition, or closing out possessions with strong box-outs, the Tide’s bigs were dialed in. Missouri, despite stretches of solid effort, simply couldn’t match the size or sustain the physical battle for 40 minutes.
Missouri’s Jacob Crews did what he could to keep the Tigers competitive, showing flashes of shot-making and attacking the rim with confidence. But with Bediako shadowing him for much of the night, clean looks were few and far between. Crews had to work for every inch, and Alabama’s length made even the simple plays feel complicated.
On the defensive end, Alabama’s rotations were crisp, especially when Missouri tried to spread the floor. The Tide’s ability to switch and recover - particularly from their bigs - made it tough for the Tigers to find rhythm. And when Missouri did manage to get into the paint, Bediako was waiting, either contesting shots directly or forcing kick-outs that rarely led to high-quality opportunities.
This game was a reminder of what Alabama can be when their frontcourt is locked in. They didn’t need a barrage of threes or a highlight-reel performance from their guards. Instead, they leaned on physicality, discipline, and smart basketball - the kind of formula that wins games deep into conference play.
For Missouri, it’s back to the drawing board. They showed flashes, but they’ll need to find answers against teams that can dominate the paint like Alabama did here. As for the Crimson Tide, if Bediako and the rest of the frontcourt keep playing like this, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone in the SEC.