Alabama basketball is back on the road this weekend, and this one’s got a little extra juice. The Crimson Tide head to Norman to take on Oklahoma in a non-conference showdown that could be more than just another game-it could be a small slice of program history.
The No. 18 Tide (12-5, 2-2 SEC) are looking to notch their first-ever win at the Lloyd Noble Center, a building that’s been less than kind to visiting teams over the years. Saturday’s noon tip offers Alabama a chance to not only build momentum after a mixed start to SEC play, but also to grab a rare road win against a Big 12 opponent in a tough environment.
Oklahoma (11-6, 1-3 Big 12) may not be ranked, but this is no walkover. The Sooners are tough at home and have a bit of extra motivation this time around, thanks in part to a familiar face on the roster.
Former Crimson Tide forward Derrion Reid, who was part of Alabama’s run to the Elite Eight last season, transferred to Oklahoma during the offseason. Now he’s suiting up against his old squad, adding an intriguing wrinkle to Saturday’s matchup.
The last time these two teams met, Alabama lit up Coleman Coliseum with a 107-79 win in 2025. That was a statement game, showcasing the kind of offensive firepower that’s become a calling card under coach Nate Oats.
But this time, it’s on the road, and the stakes feel a bit different. Alabama’s looking to steady itself after a rocky stretch that included back-to-back losses to Vanderbilt and Texas before bouncing back with a strong win at Mississippi State.
Here’s what you need to know to catch the action:
Game Details:
- Date: Saturday, January 17
- Time: Noon CT
- Location: Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, Oklahoma
- TV: SEC Network
- Streaming: Fubo, Sling, ESPN+
- Broadcast Team: Kevin Fitzgerald (play-by-play), Mark Wise (analyst)
This is Alabama’s second road trip of the week-a tough ask in the middle of a grueling SEC schedule. But the Tide have shown flashes of what they can be when they’re clicking.
With one of the highest-scoring offenses in the country, they’re capable of putting up points in bunches. The question is whether they can bring that same energy and execution to a hostile road environment.
Looking at the season so far, Alabama’s had its ups and downs. Wins over Purdue, Illinois, and Kentucky have shown their ceiling, while losses to Arizona, Vanderbilt, and Texas have exposed some inconsistencies, particularly on the defensive end. But make no mistake-this is a team with Final Four potential if it can tighten up the details.
Here’s a look at Alabama’s full 2025-26 schedule to date and what’s ahead:
2025-26 Alabama Basketball Schedule:
- Nov. 3: vs.
North Dakota - W, 91-62
- Nov. 8: vs.
St. John’s (at Madison Square Garden) - W, 103-96
- Nov. 13: vs. Purdue - L, 87-80
- Nov. 19: vs. Illinois (at United Center) - W, 90-86
- Nov. 24-27: Players Era Festival (Las Vegas) Nov. 24: vs. Gonzaga - L, 95-85 Nov. 25: vs. UNLV - W, 115-76 Nov. 26: vs. Maryland - W, 105-72
- Dec. 3: vs. Clemson (SEC/ACC Challenge) - W, 90-84
- Dec. 7: vs. UTSA - W, 97-55
- Dec. 13: vs. Arizona (C.M.
Newton Classic) - L, 96-75
- Dec. 17: vs.
USF - W, 104-93
- Dec. 21: vs.
Kennesaw State (in Huntsville) - W, 92-81
- Dec. 29: vs.
Yale - W, 102-78
- Jan. 3: vs.
Kentucky - W, 89-74
- Jan. 7: at Vanderbilt - L, 96-90
- Jan. 10: vs. Texas - L, 92-88
- Jan. 13: at Mississippi State - W, 97-82
- Jan. 17: at Oklahoma
- Jan. 24: vs. Tennessee
- Jan. 27: vs. Missouri
- Feb. 1: at Florida
- Feb. 4: vs.
Texas A&M
- Feb. 7: at Auburn
- Feb. 11: at Ole Miss
- Feb. 14: vs.
South Carolina
- Feb. 18: vs.
Arkansas
- Feb. 21: at LSU
- Feb. 25: vs. Mississippi State
- Feb. 28: at Tennessee
- Mar. 3: at Georgia
- Mar. 7: vs. Auburn
Saturday’s game is more than just a chance to pad the win column-it’s an opportunity to show growth, especially on the road. If Alabama can bring the same offensive rhythm it showed against Mississippi State, and if it can keep the turnovers down and lock in defensively, a win in Norman is absolutely within reach.
And if they pull it off, it won’t just be another W. It’ll be a little piece of history.