Alabama Falls 96–90 at No. 11 Vanderbilt in a Physical, High‑Stakes SEC Battle

Alabama walked into Memorial Gymnasium on Wednesday night knowing exactly what was at stake: a chance to hand undefeated No. 11 Vanderbilt its first loss and plant an early SEC championship flag. Instead, the Crimson Tide left Nashville with a 96–90 defeat, a game defined by foul trouble, cold second‑half shooting, and a furious late rally that came up just short.

🔥 A Breakout Night for Amari Allen

Freshman forward Amari Allen delivered the best performance of his young career, pouring in 25 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing 4 assists, leading Alabama in all three categories. His energy kept the Tide afloat during long stretches when the offense sputtered.

Aden Holloway added 22 points, continuing his run as one of the SEC's most dangerous scoring guards.

🏀 First Half: Trading Punches

Alabama opened the game with pace and confidence, matching Vanderbilt's physicality and pushing the tempo. The Tide controlled the glass early and built momentum behind Allen's activity and Holloway's shot‑making.

But Vanderbilt, riding a 14–0 start to the season, answered every run. The Commodores' balance and efficiency kept the game tight heading into halftime.

😣 Second Half: Cold Shooting, Costly Fouls

The turning point came after the break. Alabama went 7-of-23 from the field and 1-of-12 from three during a brutal offensive stretch that allowed Vanderbilt to build a nine‑point cushion.

Foul trouble piled up across the roster:

- Noah Williamson – 4 fouls

- Aden Holloway – 3 fouls

- Amari Allen – 3 fouls

- London Jemison – 3 fouls

- Taylor Bol Bowen – 3 fouls

- Keitenn Bristow – 3 fouls

The Tide reached the bonus with 14:30 remaining, and Vanderbilt hit the double bonus shortly after. The game slowed to a whistle‑heavy grind, favoring the home team.

Head coach Nate Oats even picked up a technical foul during a heated exchange with officials as frustrations mounted.

💥 Late Rally Falls Short

Down 87–75 with just over three minutes left, Alabama mounted a final push. Allen and Holloway attacked relentlessly, trimming the deficit and forcing Vanderbilt into mistakes.

But the Commodores held on, sealing the 96–90 win and preserving their undefeated record.

📉 What This Means for Alabama

The loss drops Alabama to 11–4 overall and 1–1 in SEC play. It also underscores two key themes:

- Depth will be tested as injuries linger. Aiden Sherrell was a game‑time decision entering the matchup and remains a critical piece moving forward.

- Consistency on the road will determine whether the Tide can truly contend for the SEC title.

⏭️ What's Next

Alabama returns home Saturday for a marquee matchup against Texas, marking the Longhorns' first trip to Tuscaloosa as an SEC member.