Alabama Blasts Missouri Behind Wrightsell’s Breakout Night, Bediako’s Presence, and Defensive Grit
Playing without star freshman Amari Allen for a second straight game, Alabama men’s basketball needed a response-and they delivered one in emphatic fashion. After back-to-back home losses, the Crimson Tide came out with energy, focus, and a renewed edge on both ends of the floor, cruising to a 90-64 win over Missouri at Coleman Coliseum.
The win wasn’t just about snapping a skid. It was a statement, especially with Allen still sidelined.
Alabama got a key piece back in junior guard Aden Holloway, who returned from injury after missing the Tennessee game. It was also the second game back for Charles Bediako, whose legal situation with the NCAA remains in flux but didn’t stop him from making an impact.
From a 12-point halftime lead to a dominant second half that saw the Tide stretch the margin to 20+ and never look back, Alabama looked like a team rediscovering its identity-starting with its defense.
Here’s a breakdown of what stood out most from the Tide’s bounce-back win:
1. Latrell Wrightsell’s Shot Comes Alive-and So Does Alabama’s Offense
This one had to feel good for Latrell Wrightsell. After battling through injuries and struggling to regain rhythm all season, the senior guard finally looked like himself again.
Wrightsell caught fire from deep, knocking down 7-of-10 three-point attempts on his way to a season-best 21 points. He added five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a performance that was as complete as it was confident.
Keep in mind, Wrightsell came into the night shooting just 27% from beyond the arc this season-a far cry from the 42% clip he posted in his first two years in Tuscaloosa. But against Missouri, the stroke was smooth, the footwork was crisp, and the confidence was unmistakable.
This version of Wrightsell changes the equation for Alabama. With Allen out, the Tide have needed another perimeter threat to step up. If Wrightsell can stay healthy and keep shooting like this, it raises the ceiling for this offense in a big way.
2. Free Throws Matter-And Alabama Took Full Advantage
It wasn’t the deciding factor, but it sure didn’t hurt: Alabama was nearly automatic from the line, hitting 23-of-26 free throws. Missouri, on the other hand, struggled mightily, converting just 8-of-23.
That kind of disparity doesn’t just show up on the scoreboard-it changes the flow of the game. Alabama’s ability to cash in at the stripe helped them build and maintain their lead, while Missouri’s missed opportunities made it impossible to mount any kind of rally.
3. Taylor Bol Bowen’s Hustle Changed the Game
You won’t find Taylor Bol Bowen’s name lighting up the box score-just four points on 1-of-7 shooting, including 0-for-4 from three-but don’t let the numbers fool you. The Florida State transfer was everywhere.
Bol Bowen pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds and brought an intensity that was contagious. From the moment he stepped on the court, he attacked the glass with purpose and played with a physical edge that set the tone for Alabama’s defensive effort.
A year ago, Missouri bullied Alabama in Columbia. This time, Bol Bowen helped flip that script with grit and effort that doesn’t always show up in the scoring column but makes a huge difference in the outcome.
4. Charles Bediako’s Return Continues to Pay Off
There’s something brewing between freshman guard Labaron Philon and veteran big man Charles Bediako. The two have quickly developed a strong connection, and it was on display again Tuesday night. Philon’s ability to collapse the defense opened up clean looks for Bediako, who finished with 14 points and six rebounds in just 18 minutes of action.
Bediako started alongside freshman forward Aiden Sherrell, and Alabama’s twin-tower look paid dividends. Sherrell added 16 points and two blocks in his first start at the four, showing off the floor-spacing ability that makes him such a unique piece in Nate Oats’ system.
Once Allen returns, we may not see Bediako and Sherrell share the floor for extended stretches, but the early signs are promising. With Sherrell’s shooting touch and Bediako’s rim presence, the two can complement each other in spurts-and give Alabama a versatile frontcourt pairing.
Final Word
This was the kind of performance Alabama needed-not just to get back in the win column, but to remind everyone what this team looks like when it’s locked in. The defense was active, the offense found its rhythm, and key players like Wrightsell and Bediako stepped up in big ways.
With Allen still working his way back, the Tide showed they have enough firepower and fight to hold things down in the meantime. And if this is the version of Alabama we’ll see moving forward, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.