If you're frantically refreshing your feed to find out what is the score of the Alabama Crimson Tide game, you can finally breathe. The Tide just pulled off a stunner.
In a game that felt like a cardiac event for both fanbases, No. 18 Alabama walked into the Lloyd Noble Center and escaped with an 83-81 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners. This wasn't just a win; it was a gritty, second-half heist.
Honestly, it looked bleak for a minute there. At halftime, Bama was staring at an 11-point deficit, trailing 44-33 after the Sooners closed the first half on a blistering 11-0 run. But Nate Oats clearly said something in that locker room because the team that emerged for the second half was a completely different animal.
What Is the Score of the Alabama Crimson Tide Game and How It Happened
The final score tells you it was close, but the box score tells you how they stole it. Sophomore guard Labaron Philon was basically a human torch. He dropped 21.9 points on average entering this game, but his clutch factor today was off the charts.
With about 20 seconds left on the clock, Philon drove into the paint, absorbed the contact, and finished a massive "and-one" to stretch the lead to 79-75. It felt like the air just left the building in Norman.
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The Second Half Surge
Alabama outscored Oklahoma 50-37 in the second half. That's a massive swing.
- Labaron Philon: Led the way with ice-cold triples to tie the game at 73.
- Aiden Sherrell: Provided the muscle and interior presence when the Tide needed stops.
- The Run: Alabama finished the final five minutes on a 16-8 run.
The Sooners had a chance, though. You've gotta give credit to Oklahoma—they didn't fold. They actually had a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, but it clanked off the rim, leaving the Lloyd Noble Center in stunned silence.
Why This Win Matters So Much
This wasn't just another January game. It was actually the first time in program history that Alabama basketball won a game in Norman.
You've also got to look at the context of the season. Entering today, the Tide was 13-5 overall and 3-2 in the SEC. A loss here would have been a major blow to their seeding aspirations. Instead, they showed the kind of resilience that defines tournament teams. They moved to 14-5 and secured a vital road win in a hostile environment.
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Football Context: The Post-Rose Bowl Era
It is worth noting that if you were looking for a football score, the season ended on a bit of a sour note a couple of weeks ago. On January 1, 2026, the No. 9 seeded Crimson Tide fell to No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl with a score of 38-3.
It was a tough way to exit the College Football Playoff, especially after that thrilling first-round win against Oklahoma (ironically) back in December. But the focus has firmly shifted to the hardwood now, and Nate Oats has his squad playing with a chip on their shoulder.
Key Takeaways from the 83-81 Victory
What really stands out is the defensive adjustment. In the first half, Oklahoma was getting whatever they wanted, shooting lights out during that 20-5 run to end the period. In the second half, Bama tightened the screws. They forced turnovers, limited second-chance points, and finally found their rhythm from deep.
Labaron Philon's back-to-back threes to knot the game at 73 were the turning point. Before that, it felt like Alabama was chasing a ghost. After those shots? The momentum was a crimson wave.
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For those tracking the betting lines, Alabama entered as a -5.5 favorite. While they didn't cover that spread, the "W" is the only stat that really matters in the SEC standings. The over/under was set around 170.5, and with a combined 164 points, the under bettors are walking away happy today.
Looking Ahead for the Tide
If you're following the women's team, keep your eyes on Tuscaloosa tomorrow. No. 21 Alabama is set to host No. 20 Tennessee at 2 p.m. EST. The Lady Tide are currently 14-0 at home, so that's going to be another massive showdown in the SEC.
As for the men, this win in Norman provides a huge boost of confidence. Winning on the road in this conference is never easy, and doing it after being down by double digits shows a lot of heart.
Actionable Insights for Tide Fans:
- Watch the Replay: If you missed Philon's "and-one" in the final minute, find the highlights. It's a clinic on body control.
- Check the Standings: Alabama is now 4-2 in the SEC, keeping them right in the thick of the regular-season title race.
- Monitor Injuries: Keep an eye on the rotation heading into the next matchup, as the physical play in Norman took a toll on a few players.
The Tide proved today that they can win ugly, and in March, that's the only skill that matters.