Alabama Heads to Oxford Looking to Reignite Momentum Against Ole Miss
Alabama basketball is back on the road, and this time, it’s a trip to Oxford with some unfinished business on the line. The Crimson Tide (16-7, 6-4 SEC) are looking to bounce back into rhythm in SEC play and keep building toward the postseason, but they’ll have to do it without a key piece in the paint.
The Tide square off with Ole Miss (11-12, 3-7 SEC) on Wednesday night at The Pavilion, with tip-off set for 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
It’s a matchup that carries a little extra weight-last season, the Rebels came into Coleman Coliseum and stunned Alabama with a 74-64 win. Now, Alabama gets its shot at payback.
But they’ll have to do it short-handed.
No Bediako, Big Challenge Inside
Alabama will be without 7-footer Charles Bediako, who had suited up for the last five games after a court ruling temporarily allowed him to play. That restraining order has since been dissolved, and with it goes a significant defensive presence in the Tide’s frontcourt.
Bediako’s absence looms large against a Rebels squad featuring Malik Dia, a versatile forward who’s back in the Ole Miss lineup and capable of causing problems inside. Alabama will need to lean on its depth and athleticism in the post to counter Dia’s presence and keep the glass clean.
Rebels Reeling, But Still Dangerous
Ole Miss enters the matchup riding a five-game losing streak, most recently falling to Texas, 79-68. But don’t let the record fool you-this is a team that’s shown it can rise to the occasion, and the memory of last year’s upset win over Alabama is still fresh.
The Rebels will be hungry to snap their skid, especially at home, where they’ve played with more energy and confidence. Alabama can’t afford to look past them, especially in a conference as unpredictable as the SEC.
Tide’s Season So Far: A Rollercoaster Ride
It’s been a season of high-octane offense and a few defensive growing pains for Alabama. The Tide have racked up some marquee wins-beating Purdue, Illinois, and Tennessee-but they’ve also taken a few tough losses, including a recent blowout at Florida and a high-scoring heartbreaker against Texas.
Still, Alabama’s offense continues to hum. The Tide are averaging over 90 points per game in SEC play, and when the shots are falling, they’re as dangerous as any team in the country. The key has been consistency-particularly on the defensive end.
Here’s a look at how the 2025-26 season has shaped up so far:
- Notable Wins: Purdue, Illinois, Clemson, Kentucky, Tennessee
- Tough Losses: Arizona, Vanderbilt, Florida, Texas
- Recent Form: Alabama has won four of its last six, including a gritty 96-92 win over Auburn on the road.
What’s Next?
After Ole Miss, Alabama’s schedule doesn’t let up. The Tide return home to face South Carolina and Arkansas before heading to Baton Rouge to take on LSU. With the SEC standings still wide open, every game down the stretch matters-and road wins are gold.
If Alabama can handle business in Oxford, it’ll mark another step forward in a season where the Tide are still very much in control of their own destiny. But without Bediako, they'll need to rely on their depth, perimeter shooting, and the kind of defensive urgency that’s been hit-or-miss this year.
Game Info:
- Date: Wednesday, Feb. 11
- Time: 6 p.m. CT
- Venue: The Pavilion, Oxford, Mississippi
- TV: SEC Network (also available via Fubo, Sling, and ESPN+)
- Broadcast Team: Richard Cross and Mark Wise
The stage is set in Oxford. Now it’s up to the Tide to bring the energy, stay locked in defensively, and keep climbing in the SEC race.