Tennessee Outlasts Alabama in SEC Showdown as Nate Ament Shines, Philon Jr. Impresses
Saturday night in Tuscaloosa delivered exactly what you'd expect from a high-stakes SEC rivalry: intensity, momentum swings, and standout performances. Alabama and Tennessee went toe-to-toe at Coleman Coliseum, and while the Crimson Tide came out swinging early, it was the Volunteers who closed the deal, riding a second-half surge to a 79-73 win.
This one stung for Alabama, not just because it was a home loss, but because it extended Tennessee’s dominance in the series to five straight wins. Despite being a bit short-handed, Alabama showed plenty of fight-especially in the first half-but ultimately couldn’t keep pace with a Tennessee squad that found its rhythm after the break.
Philon Jr. Continues to Impress
If there was a silver lining for Alabama, it was the continued emergence of freshman guard Labaron Philon Jr. The young guard looked like a seasoned vet out there, pouring in 26 points to lead the Tide.
What stood out most wasn’t just the scoring-it was how he got it. Philon attacked the rim, drew contact, and knocked down 10 of his 11 free throws.
Add in four rebounds and seven assists, and you’ve got a complete performance from a player who’s quickly becoming Alabama’s go-to guy.
Philon’s ability to create offense, especially with two starters out of the lineup, kept Alabama in the fight. He played with poise, made smart decisions, and didn’t shy away from the big moment. This wasn’t just a good game-it was a statement.
Wrightsell Jr. Returns and Contributes
With Aden Holloway and Amari Allen sidelined, Alabama needed someone to step up in the backcourt. Enter Latrell Wrightsell Jr., who made his return from injury and wasted no time making an impact. The veteran guard dropped 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting and added two steals, bringing much-needed stability and energy to a depleted rotation.
Wrightsell’s presence was felt on both ends. He knocked down some timely shots, played tough perimeter defense, and gave Alabama a spark when they needed it most. Getting him back is a big boost for the Tide moving forward.
Bediako Makes His Presence Felt
Another key returnee for Alabama was Charles Bediako, who suited up for the first time this season and immediately reminded everyone why he’s such a valuable piece. The big man was efficient and active, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while also contributing three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 25 minutes.
Bediako’s impact went beyond the box score. His presence in the paint altered shots and gave Alabama a physical edge they’ve been missing.
Offensively, he was a reliable target around the rim, finishing strong and playing within himself. For a first game back, this was an encouraging sign for the Tide’s frontcourt.
Cold Shooting From Deep
One area that really hurt Alabama was the three-point line. The Tide went just 6-of-26 from beyond the arc, good for 23%, and that inefficiency loomed large in a game that was tight until the final minutes. Alabama had some clean looks but couldn’t capitalize, and in a matchup where every possession mattered, those missed opportunities added up.
When the outside shot isn’t falling, it puts pressure on everything else-spacing, driving lanes, and second-chance points. Credit Tennessee’s defense for contesting well, but Alabama simply couldn’t find their rhythm from deep.
Tennessee Turns It On Late
Tennessee flipped the script in the second half. After trailing at the break, the Volunteers came out with renewed energy and took control with a 43-34 scoring edge over the final 20 minutes.
The catalyst? Nate Ament, who erupted for a career-high 29 points and was practically unstoppable down the stretch.
Ament’s performance was the difference-maker. He attacked mismatches, hit big shots, and carried Tennessee when they needed someone to take over. Alabama had no answer for him late, and that proved to be the tipping point.
The Streak Continues
With the loss, Alabama falls to 13-6 overall and 3-3 in SEC play. More notably, it marks their fifth straight defeat to Tennessee, a streak that dates back to the 2022-23 season. For a program with championship aspirations, that’s a trend they’ll be eager to reverse.
There’s no shame in losing to a top-tier SEC opponent, especially when shorthanded. But for Alabama, this one will feel like a missed opportunity. They had the lead at halftime, got strong performances from key players, and still couldn’t close it out.
The good news? There’s still time to regroup, get healthy, and build off the positives. Because if Philon Jr. keeps playing like this, and Bediako and Wrightsell Jr. continue to ramp up, Alabama’s ceiling remains sky-high.