Alabama Aims to Flip the Script Against Missouri After Last Season's Defensive Collapse
Last February in Columbia, Alabama found itself on the wrong end of a shootout-scoring 98 points and still walking away with a loss. That night, Missouri hung 110 on the Crimson Tide in regulation, a rare and stinging defensive breakdown under Nate Oats. It wasn’t just a bad night-it was one of the worst defensive outings of the Oats era.
Missouri couldn’t miss, shooting a blistering 60% from the field. Forward Mark Mitchell, then a rising presence, dropped 31 points and looked nearly unguardable.
Caleb Grill came off the bench and torched Alabama for 25 more. Grill has since moved on, but Mitchell remains-and he’s only gotten better.
Now averaging 17.7 points per game, he ranks seventh in the SEC in scoring and continues to be the Tigers’ offensive engine.
Mitchell brings versatility that’s tough to contain. At 6'9", he’s comfortable operating as a stretch four, capable of pulling defenders out and attacking off the dribble.
That creates matchup headaches, especially when Missouri pairs him with 7-footer Shawn Phillips at the five. Phillips brings size and physicality at 245 pounds, and when both are on the floor, Alabama will have to match that size with its own.
Nate Oats has indicated that freshman Aiden Sherrell will take on the primary assignment of guarding Mitchell. That’s a big ask for the young forward, and it likely means Charles Bediako needs to be on the floor alongside him to handle Phillips.
The catch? Foul trouble.
If either big man racks up early fouls, Alabama could be forced into uncomfortable rotations-and that’s exactly what Missouri would want.
But here’s the thing: Missouri’s defense is a far cry from elite. In fact, it’s among the weakest in the SEC.
That’s a key reason why ESPN Analytics gives Alabama an 80.2% chance to win this game. The Tigers might have some offensive weapons, but they’ve struggled to get stops all season long.
Offensively, Missouri isn’t lighting the world on fire, but they’re not toothless either. According to Ken Pomeroy’s offensive efficiency rankings, Missouri checks in at No. 54-just a few spots behind Tennessee at No.
- And Alabama fans will remember how the Tide had no answer for Tennessee’s Nate Ament in that matchup.
The lesson? Don’t let Mark Mitchell get rolling.
If Alabama can’t contain him, this game could get uncomfortable in a hurry.
That said, the Crimson Tide has the firepower to overwhelm Missouri. If Alabama’s offense clicks-especially from deep-it could be a long night for the Tigers, regardless of how many Mitchell puts up. A double-digit win isn’t out of the question if Alabama plays to its strengths and avoids foul trouble in the frontcourt.
One roster note: while Aden Holloway is expected to be available, Amari Allen may sit this one out. With a bigger matchup looming Sunday against Florida, it makes sense to prioritize Allen’s recovery. Alabama should have enough to get past Missouri without him, especially if the offense brings its usual punch.
Bottom line? Alabama has a chance to right a wrong from last season.
But to do it, they’ll need to stay disciplined defensively, limit Mitchell’s impact, and take advantage of Missouri’s soft spots on the other end. If they do, this could be a statement win-and a reminder that last year’s defensive lapse was the exception, not the rule.