Banged-Up but Unbowed: Alabama Outlasts Texas A&M in 100-97 Thriller
With injuries piling up and SEC pressure mounting, Alabama basketball came into Wednesday night’s matchup against Texas A&M carrying more than just a few bumps and bruises - they were carrying the weight of a season at a crossroads. But in a game that featured 27 lead changes and the kind of back-and-forth action that makes college basketball special, the Crimson Tide dug deep and found just enough to pull out a 100-97 win in Tuscaloosa.
Let’s break down the key moments and performances that defined this high-octane SEC showdown.
Amari Allen Rejoins the Starting Five
Head coach Nate Oats made a notable adjustment to his lineup, re-inserting freshman Amari Allen into the starting group. That move pushed Aiden Sherrell back to the five, a spot previously filled by Charles Bediako in recent matchups against Missouri and Florida. The tweak helped Alabama find a better rhythm early on, even if the start was still far from perfect.
Another Slow Start for the Crimson Tide
For all the firepower Alabama showed in this game, the opening minutes told a different story. The Tide started just 1-for-5 from deep and went nearly three minutes without a bucket, allowing Texas A&M to jump out to an early lead. Even into the second half, the Aggies were holding their own on the glass, starting the final 20 minutes with a +3 rebounding edge.
London Jemison Sparks the Tide Off the Bench
Wearing a brace while on the bench, London Jemison looked anything but limited once he checked in. With 12:10 left in the first half, he ripped off the brace and then ripped into the Aggies’ defense.
In under a minute, Jemison poured in a three, a layup, and a dunk - fueling a 12-2 Alabama run that gave the Tide a 28-19 advantage. It was a momentum-shifting stretch from a player who clearly wasn’t interested in pacing himself.
Rylan Griffen Shines in Return to Tuscaloosa
Former Crimson Tide guard Rylan Griffen made his return to Coleman Coliseum as a member of the Aggies, and he didn’t disappoint. Griffen went 3-for-4 from the field and finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and two assists. He also turned the ball over three times, but overall, it was a strong showing in his Alabama homecoming - a reminder of the talent he brought to the Tide’s Final Four run.
Aden Holloway Heats Up Late
Aden Holloway, the Auburn transfer known for his shooting stroke, didn’t get his first attempt from the field until there were less than six minutes left in the first half. His first makes didn’t come until after the break, but when he found his groove, he didn’t look back. Holloway led all scorers with 20 points, showing once again that he doesn’t need a hot start to finish strong.
Labaron Philon Battles Through Injury
Late in the first half, Labaron Philon limped off the floor, favoring his left leg and heading straight for the stationary bike with just 43 seconds left before the break. At that point, he had missed four straight shots. But in the second half, Philon bounced back in a big way, scoring 13 points and giving Alabama a much-needed jolt during crunch time.
Wrightsell Jr. Bookends the Halves with Big Shots
Latrell Wrightsell Jr. delivered two of the game’s biggest buckets - one to close the first half and one to help seal the win. With time winding down before halftime, Wrightsell buried a three off a feed from Houston Mallette to tie the game at 46.
Then, with less than a minute to go in regulation, he knocked down another clutch triple to help put the Aggies away. Veteran poise, big-time execution.
Houston Mallette’s Hustle Seals the Deal
Mallette’s fingerprints were all over this win. Whether it was diving for loose balls or stepping into a huge three to snap a 9-0 Texas A&M run - a stretch that saw the Aggies take a 70-64 lead with 11:30 left - Mallette’s energy was contagious. His timely shooting and relentless effort helped steady Alabama when the game looked like it might slip away.
Crimson Tide Finally Win the Offensive Glass Battle
For the first time in SEC play, Alabama won the battle on the offensive boards - and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The Tide pulled down 13 offensive rebounds to Texas A&M’s four and won the overall rebounding margin by eight. Aiden Sherrell led the way with eight boards, setting the tone for a team that’s been looking to get tougher on the glass.
Final Takeaway
This wasn’t just a win - it was a gut-check. Alabama, bruised and battling through adversity, showed the kind of resilience that can define a season. With contributions up and down the roster, from a freshman rejoining the starting lineup to a veteran hitting clutch shots, the Crimson Tide found a way to come out on top in one of the wildest games of their season.
And with SEC play heating up, this could be the spark they’ve been searching for.