Alabama Outlasts Ole Miss in Physical SEC Clash at The Pavilion
OXFORD, Miss. - In a game that felt like a grind-it-out SEC battle from the opening tip, Alabama and Ole Miss traded blows for 40 minutes at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion. The Crimson Tide leaned on their depth, defensive intensity, and a balanced offensive attack to pull away in the second half and secure a hard-fought win on the road.
This one had everything you'd expect from a February conference showdown - contested shots, physical play in the paint, and a whole lot of hustle on both ends. Alabama’s frontcourt, led by forward Aiden Sherrell, brought the energy and execution when it mattered most. Sherrell was a force inside, asserting himself on both ends of the floor, especially in the second half, where his presence around the rim helped tilt the momentum in the Tide’s favor.
Ole Miss didn’t back down, though. Guard Zach Day showed poise under pressure, navigating Alabama’s perimeter defense with a steady handle and smart decision-making. Patton Pinkins added a spark with aggressive drives and confident shooting, but the Rebels struggled to generate consistent offense late in the game as Alabama’s defense tightened the screws.
Freshman guard Labaron Philon Jr. continued to show why he’s such a key piece for Alabama. His ability to get downhill and finish through contact gave the Rebels headaches all night. Whether it was attacking off the dribble or finding seams in the defense, Philon Jr. brought a relentless edge that helped fuel Alabama’s second-half surge.
On the other end, Ole Miss tried to counter with Ilias Kamardine and Eduardo Klafke, both of whom gave solid minutes and battled hard, especially on the defensive end. Klafke in particular was active on the glass and fought for every loose ball, going toe-to-toe with Sherrell in a physical matchup inside.
But Alabama’s depth ultimately became the difference. Guard Aden Holloway brought a burst of speed and playmaking off the bench, while Houston Mallette knocked down timely shots to keep the pressure on the Rebels. Head coach Nate Oats was animated throughout, urging his team to push the tempo and stay aggressive - a message his players clearly received.
The game’s tempo shifted in the second half, with Alabama finding more flow offensively. Their ball movement improved, and they began to capitalize on second-chance opportunities. Sherrell’s ability to finish through contact, combined with the guard play of Philon Jr. and Holloway, gave the Crimson Tide the edge they needed to create separation down the stretch.
Ole Miss continued to fight, with Augusto Cassia and James Scott providing some key moments, especially in the rebounding battle. But as the clock wound down, Alabama’s composure and execution proved too much.
This was a statement road win for the Crimson Tide - not flashy, but gritty and earned. In a conference where every possession matters and road wins are gold, Alabama showed they can win ugly when they need to. And come March, that’s the kind of toughness that travels.
For Ole Miss, it’s a tough loss, but there were flashes of promise. The effort was there, the crowd was engaged, and the team showed they can go toe-to-toe with one of the SEC’s top squads. They’ll look to regroup quickly and build on the positives as they continue the grind of conference play.
As for Alabama, they leave Oxford with another SEC win in their pocket - and a little more confidence that they can handle the heat when the pressure rises.