Alabama won.
Wait, let me be more specific because if you're asking this in early 2026, you're likely looking for the basketball score from yesterday or maybe still reeling from that Rose Bowl disaster on New Year’s Day. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team pulled off a gritty 83-81 win over the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman. It was a classic "tale of two halves" situation that had Bama fans holding their breath until the final buzzer.
Honestly, it looked like a blowout early on. Oklahoma went into the locker room at halftime with an 11-point lead, ending the first half on a demoralizing 11-0 run. If you turned the TV off then, you missed one of the best second-half adjustments Nate Oats has made all season.
The Big Question: Who Won the Game Alabama Just Played?
The short answer is Alabama, but the "how" is way more interesting. The Crimson Tide moved to 13-5 overall and 3-2 in SEC play with this 83-81 victory. This wasn't just another win; it was actually the first time in program history that Alabama basketball has ever won a game in Norman.
History was made.
Sophomore sensation Labaron Philon Jr. was the engine. He dropped 23 points, marking his third straight game scoring over 20. But it wasn't just a one-man show. Aiden Sherrell, fresh off a career-high against Mississippi State earlier in the week, backed it up with 21 points and 9 rebounds.
Why the Second Half Changed Everything
Alabama came out of the tunnel for the second half and immediately went on a 12-0 run. Just like that, the lead was gone. The game then turned into a total seesaw with 12 lead changes and nine ties.
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Oklahoma’s Xzayvier Brown did his best to keep the Sooners in it, scoring 21 points of his own. But in the final minute, Alabama’s defense clamped down. Nijel Pack had a chance to win it for Oklahoma with a long 3-pointer with 4 seconds left, but it clanked off the rim. A chaotic scramble for the rebound followed, but the clock ran out before Oklahoma could get another shot off.
Looking Back at the 2026 Rose Bowl
Now, if you were actually asking who won the game Alabama played on January 1st, the news is much grimmer for the Tide. In the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, No. 1 seed Indiana absolutely dismantled No. 9 Alabama, winning 38-3.
It was a bloodbath.
- Final Score: Indiana 38, Alabama 3
- The MVP: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza (the Heisman winner)
- Total Yardage: Indiana 407, Alabama 193
- The Vibe: Complete dominance by the Hoosiers from the second quarter onward.
Kalen DeBoer’s second season ended on a sour note in Pasadena, but the basketball team's recent hot streak is starting to heal some of those wounds for the fans in Tuscaloosa.
Keys to the Basketball Victory in Norman
Why did Bama win this one? It came down to two things: paint points and "blue-collar" play. Nate Oats is famous for his "Hard Hat" award, given to the player with the most hustle stats. Aiden Sherrell took it home this time.
Alabama outscored Oklahoma 38-34 in the paint. Even though they only shot 15-for-26 from the free-throw line (which is kind of terrible, let's be real), they made the shots when they mattered. Amari Allen and Houston Mallette chipped in 12 points each, providing that secondary scoring depth that separates good teams from great ones.
SEC Standings Impact
This win keeps Alabama right in the thick of the SEC race. After a shaky start to the month with a loss to Texas, beating Mississippi State and Oklahoma back-to-back shows this team has some serious backbone.
The road doesn't get easier. The Tide has a massive showdown with Tennessee coming up at Coleman Coliseum. If Philon and Sherrell keep playing at this level, Bama is going to be a nightmare for anyone in the NCAA Tournament.
Moving Forward: What to Watch
If you're following the Tide this week, keep an eye on the injury report. The physical play in Norman left a few guys banged up.
Next Steps for Bama Fans:
- Check the Tennessee tip-off time: It’s a home game, and Coleman Coliseum needs to be loud to rattle the Vols.
- Watch the Free Throw %: If Alabama keeps shooting under 60% from the line, they’re going to drop a game they should win.
- Monitor Labaron Philon's Draft Stock: Scouts are starting to swarm. His ability to finish at the rim is becoming elite.
Alabama is officially a basketball school this month. While the football team regroups for the 2026 season, the hoops squad is proving that they can win ugly road games against quality opponents. That’s the recipe for a deep March run.