Alabama basketball has been a powerhouse in the SEC under head coach Nate Oats, making waves with three trips to the NCAA Tournament's second weekend over the past three years, including a Final Four appearance. They've also secured two SEC Regular-Season Championships since COVID-19 shook up the sports world.
But there's one team that seems to have Alabama's number: Tennessee. The Volunteers have bested the Crimson Tide in their last five matchups and are eyeing a sixth consecutive win as they prepare to host Alabama on Saturday night in Knoxville.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats acknowledged the challenge after Tennessee's recent 79-73 victory in Tuscaloosa. "We’re one of the better teams in the league these last two, three years.
For whatever reason, we haven’t had so much success with them," Oats said. "A lot has to do with the way they guard.
They’re tough physically, make it hard, and take away your threes. We’ve just got to have a better plan on offense."
In their last five encounters with Tennessee, Alabama has averaged 70.6 points per game, failing to surpass 76 points in any matchup. These games have marked some of Alabama's lowest scoring performances each season.
Tennessee's defensive prowess plays a significant role in this trend. The Vols' slow tempo disrupts Alabama’s rhythm, and even when adjusting for pace, these games rank among the Crimson Tide's least efficient offensive performances.
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes shared his thoughts on the Vols' success against Alabama. "One is probably just sheer respect, knowing they’ve got the ability to put up 115, 117 points on you.
If you don’t guard, they can embarrass you quickly. So you better be on high alert."
Defensively, Tennessee has excelled by forcing turnovers and limiting Alabama's three-point opportunities. Despite this, Alabama poses a formidable challenge on Saturday. They've won eight of their last nine games since their loss to Tennessee, with key players Aden Holloway and Amari Allen back from injury.
Alabama has been on a scoring tear recently, putting up 90-plus points in six of their last seven games, including a 100-point outburst against Mississippi State.
Barnes is well aware of the threat Alabama poses. "They’re shooting it like crazy right now," he said.
"Nate’s got them playing great basketball. They really seem to be locked in."
The stage is set for an exciting showdown at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday night in Knoxville, with Karl Ravech and Jimmy Dykes calling the game for ESPN.
Here’s a look at Alabama’s offensive performance against Tennessee during their five-game losing streak:
- 2026: 73 points (season low), 1.087 points per possession (PPP) (fourth lowest of the season)
- 2025: 76 points (third lowest of the season), 1.015 PPP (second lowest of the season)
- 2024 (Tuscaloosa): 74 points (tied for third lowest of the season), 1.002 PPP (second lowest of the season)
- 2024 (Knoxville): 71 points (season low), 0.920 PPP (season low)
The numbers tell a story of a fierce rivalry where defense often takes center stage. As Alabama seeks to break the streak, fans can expect a thrilling contest.