Tennessee Tops Alabama Again: 4 Key Takeaways from the Crimson Tide’s Latest SEC Setback
Another Alabama-Tennessee matchup, another frustrating night for the Crimson Tide. Saturday’s 79-73 loss at Coleman Coliseum marked the fifth straight time Rick Barnes and the Volunteers have gotten the better of Nate Oats’ squad. And while there were some bright spots - most notably the return of Charles Bediako - the loss stings for a Crimson Tide team that’s now 3-3 in SEC play and slipping further from the top of the conference standings.
Let’s break down the four biggest takeaways from Alabama’s latest struggle against Tennessee:
1. Charles Bediako’s Return Was a Game-Changer - and a Glimpse of What’s to Come
Three years after last suiting up for Alabama, Charles Bediako made his return to the floor - and he wasted no time making an impact. Despite having just one practice under his belt, Bediako logged 25 minutes and looked like a player who could quickly become a key piece of this rotation.
He finished with 13 points, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals, and Alabama wasted no time getting him involved. On his very first possession, the Tide ran a baseline out-of-bounds play that led to a thunderous dunk - a clear sign that Oats knew exactly how he wanted to use him.
Bediako’s presence was especially important with Aiden Sherrell battling foul trouble most of the night. While his return wasn’t enough to swing the outcome, his performance showed just how valuable he could be moving forward - especially if his legal battle with the NCAA results in him being cleared for the rest of the season.
If this is what Bediako looks like with minimal prep, Alabama fans have every reason to be optimistic about what he can bring once he’s fully integrated.
2. Missing Holloway and Allen? Alabama Felt Every Bit of It
Alabama was short-handed, and it showed. With Aden Holloway and Amari Allen both sidelined due to undisclosed issues, the Tide were without two of their best playmakers - and the offense simply couldn’t compensate.
The raw scoring was one thing, but what Alabama missed most was the ball movement. Holloway and Allen rank second and third on the team in assists (behind Labaron Philon), and their absence left a gaping hole in the Tide’s offensive rhythm.
The numbers tell the story: Alabama had just nine assists on the night. Seven came from Philon, one from Latrell Wrightsell, and the other was a team assist on the Bediako dunk. That’s it.
Without their two secondary creators, the offense became stagnant, predictable, and far too reliant on individual efforts. In a game where every possession mattered, that lack of fluidity was costly.
3. Labaron Philon Gave Everything He Had - But It Was Too Much to Ask
With Holloway and Allen out, the offensive load fell squarely on Labaron Philon’s shoulders - and he did everything he could to carry it. The sophomore guard poured in 26 points and dished out seven assists while playing 38 minutes. He was the heartbeat of Alabama’s offense.
But it was also clear that the burden was too heavy. Philon shot just 7-of-20 from the field and 2-of-9 from beyond the arc. He was constantly hounded by Tennessee’s physical, disciplined defense, and without any real help in the backcourt, he had to create almost everything himself.
There’s no questioning Philon’s effort or talent - he battled all night. But no guard, no matter how gifted, can singlehandedly break down a defense like Tennessee’s for 40 minutes. He needed help, and it just wasn’t there.
4. Another Chapter in a Familiar Script Against Tennessee
If you’re an Alabama fan, this game probably gave you déjà vu - and for good reason. It’s the same story that’s played out in each of the last five meetings between these two programs.
Tennessee dictated the pace. They slowed the game down, turned it into a grind, and pulled Alabama into a low-possession slugfest - exactly the kind of game Rick Barnes wants to play. And once again, Alabama couldn’t adjust.
The shooting struggles were there, too. Alabama went just 6-of-26 from three-point range (23%).
Two years ago in the same building? 9-of-37 (24%).
Different players, same result.
The Vols seem to have cracked the code on how to beat Oats’ system. They take away transition opportunities, force tough shots, and wear the Tide down in the halfcourt. Until Alabama finds a way to flip that script, this matchup is going to remain a thorn in their side.
Final Thoughts
This was a winnable game, even with key pieces missing. But the same issues that have plagued Alabama in this matchup - tempo control, shot selection, and physicality - showed up again. The return of Bediako is a much-needed boost, and once Holloway and Allen are back, this team still has the tools to make noise in the SEC.
But the margin for error is shrinking. And if Alabama wants to stay in the title hunt, they’ll need to start turning these close losses into statement wins - especially against teams like Tennessee, who seem to have their number.