Alabama Rolls Past Missouri: A Complete Performance in Coleman Coliseum

Tuesday night in Tuscaloosa felt like a reset button for Alabama basketball. After a week dominated by headlines about Charles Bediako's eligibility battle and the sting of a 79–73 loss to Tennessee, the Crimson Tide stepped onto their home floor with purpose-and left with their most complete SEC win of the season.

A Needed Bounce‑Back

Alabama entered the matchup at 13–6 and searching for consistency in league play. Missouri, meanwhile, arrived with confidence after a pair of dramatic wins and a history of giving Alabama trouble, including a 110–98 upset last season. Add in the winter‑weather‑driven schedule change that moved tipoff to 7 p.m. CT, and the night carried a sense of unpredictability.

But from the opening minutes, Alabama seized control.

Wrightsell Ignites the Tide from Deep

Latrell Wrightsell Jr. delivered one of the best shooting performances of the SEC season, burying seven three‑pointers and finishing with 21 points-all from beyond the arc. His 70% shooting from deep set the tone for an Alabama offense that looked crisp, confident, and unselfish. The Tide hit 15 threes as a team and shot 38.5% from long range, stretching Missouri's defense until it broke.

Wrightsell's rhythm opened the floor for everyone else, and Alabama never let the Tigers settle into a defensive identity.

Philon's Poise and Playmaking

Freshman guard Labaron Philon Jr. continued his rapid rise, adding 18 points and going a perfect 6‑for‑6 at the free‑throw line. His composure was especially notable given Alabama's struggles at the stripe in earlier losses. On Tuesday, the Tide flipped that script entirely, finishing 23‑for‑26 at the line.

Philon's ability to control tempo, attack gaps, and make the right read gave Alabama a steadying presence in the backcourt-something that was missing in the loss to Tennessee.

Bediako's Return Makes an Immediate Impact

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline of the night was the presence of Charles Bediako, whose eligibility status has been the subject of legal wrangling. After receiving a temporary restraining order that allowed him to play Saturday, Bediako again suited up Tuesday-and delivered.

The 7‑footer scored 14 points on 4‑of‑5 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, and went a perfect 6‑for‑6 at the free‑throw line. His rim protection and interior presence helped Alabama control the paint and fuel its transition game.

His situation remains fluid, with a court hearing determining whether he can continue playing, but his impact on the floor is undeniable.

Defense, Pace, and Identity

Alabama's defensive energy was the best it has been in weeks. The Tide forced 10 steals, turned live‑ball turnovers into 15 fast‑break points, and consistently disrupted Missouri's rhythm.

This is the version of Nate Oats' team that thrives: fast, aggressive, and relentless.

Missouri, which entered the game ahead of Alabama in the SEC standings, never found answers. The Tigers struggled to match Alabama's pace and physicality, and the Tide's depth wore them down as the night progressed.

What the Win Means

With the victory, Alabama improved to 14–6 overall and 4–3 in SEC play, stabilizing its conference trajectory and reasserting itself as a contender capable of making a run.

The performance also offered a blueprint for what this team can be when its shooters are locked in, its guards are poised, and its frontcourt is anchored by Bediako.

Looking Ahead

Alabama now turns its attention to a Sunday matchup with the Florida Gators, another opportunity to build momentum as February approaches. If Tuesday night was any indication, the Tide may be rediscovering the identity that made them dangerous early in the season.

For now, though, Alabama fans can savor a dominant home win-one built on toughness, precision, and the kind of energy that can change the course of a season.