After nearly three weeks on the road, Alabama basketball is finally back in the comfort of Coleman Coliseum. And they’re not easing into home life - they’re jumping right into a high-stakes showdown with Clemson in the SEC/ACC Challenge.
This isn’t just another non-conference game. It’s a rematch of one of the most memorable matchups from last season’s NCAA Tournament, when Alabama knocked off Clemson 89-82 in the Elite Eight to punch its first-ever ticket to the Final Four.
That win was a defining moment for the Crimson Tide. But now, a new season brings a new challenge - and Clemson’s coming in hungry.
“Clemson, to me, is a little bit underrated,” Alabama head coach Nate Oats said ahead of the game. “I don't think they quite get the national recognition they deserve.”
And he’s not just being polite. Clemson has quietly put together a strong start to the season, coming into this game at 7-1.
They’re not ranked, but they’ve shown they can hang with quality opponents. Alabama, meanwhile, enters at 5-2 and ranked No. 12 in the country - a team with high expectations and a schedule that’s already tested them early.
When and where to watch Alabama vs. Clemson
This SEC/ACC Challenge matchup tips off on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
It’ll be broadcast on ESPNU, with streaming options available through Fubo, Sling, and ESPN+. Whether you're watching from Tuscaloosa or tuning in from across the country, this one's worth circling.
A look at Alabama’s early-season journey
Alabama’s non-conference slate has been anything but soft. They opened the year with a dominant win over North Dakota, then faced a gauntlet of tough opponents - including a narrow loss to Purdue and a high-scoring battle with Gonzaga in Las Vegas. The Crimson Tide bounced back with blowout wins over UNLV and Maryland to close out the Players Era Festival, showing off the kind of offensive firepower that’s become a hallmark of the Nate Oats era.
Now, with Clemson on deck, Alabama’s home crowd will get its first look at the team since mid-November - and the timing couldn’t be better. This game isn’t just about revenge or rankings. It’s a measuring stick for two teams with postseason aspirations, and it’s a chance for Alabama to reinforce its standing as one of the top programs in the country.
What’s next on the schedule
After Clemson, Alabama’s December doesn’t get any easier. They’ll face UTSA, then take on a top-tier Arizona squad in the C.M.
Newton Classic. That’s followed by matchups against USF, Kennesaw State (in Huntsville), and Yale to close out the non-conference slate.
Then comes the gauntlet of SEC play, starting with a January 3 showdown against Kentucky. Alabama’s conference schedule is loaded with marquee matchups - including road trips to Auburn, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, plus home games against Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri.
But before all that, the focus is squarely on Clemson. Alabama’s back in Coleman.
The lights are on. And the Tide has a chance to make another early-season statement.