If you’re sitting there scrolling through your phone trying to figure out what time do the Alabama game come on today, you aren’t alone. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the air in Tuscaloosa is probably a mix of humidity and pure adrenaline.
Look, the Men’s team just pulled off a gritty 83-81 win against Oklahoma yesterday. Nate Oats has those guys running at a pace that’ll make your head spin. But today? Today is all about the women. We’ve got a massive SEC showdown happening at Coleman Coliseum.
The Tip-Off: Alabama vs. Tennessee
The Alabama Crimson Tide (17-2) are set to host the No. 20 Tennessee Lady Vols (12-3). This isn't just another game on the schedule; it’s a battle for respect in a conference that feels like a gauntlet every single night.
So, let's get right to it. The Alabama game comes on today at 1:00 PM CT (2:00 PM ET).
Honestly, you'll want to be in front of the TV a few minutes early. These two programs don't exactly like each other. Alabama is coming off a frustrating 58-54 loss to Auburn—an upset that stung—and they are going to be looking to vent that frustration on the Lady Vols. Tennessee, meanwhile, is riding a five-game winning streak. Something’s gotta give.
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How to Watch and Listen
If you aren't lucky enough to be sitting in the stands at Coleman, here is how you can catch the action:
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Streaming: ESPN App (you’ll need your cable login, obviously)
- Radio: Lady Vol Radio Network or the Crimson Tide Sports Network
- Satellite: SiriusXM Channel 106 or 190
Chuckie Kempf and Christy Thomaskutty are on the call for the SEC Network. If you've ever listened to Thomaskutty, you know she breaks down the game like a scientist. It's good TV.
Why This Game Actually Matters
You might be thinking, "It’s just mid-January, why the hype?"
Well, Alabama is currently 3-2 in SEC play. Before that Auburn loss, they were looking like world-beaters, only falling to No. 3 South Carolina. They are ranked No. 21 in the country for a reason. Kim Caldwell’s squad plays a style that is basically organized chaos—full-court pressure, constant subbing, and a relentless "attack the rim" mentality.
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Tennessee is 4-0 in the SEC. They are one of the few teams still undefeated in league play, alongside South Carolina and Vanderbilt. If Alabama wants to prove they belong in the top tier of the conference, they have to defend home court today.
History isn't exactly on Bama's side here. Tennessee leads the all-time series 56-9. That is... a lot of losing for the Tide. But lately? Things have been closer. Alabama has developed a bit of a "giant killer" reputation at home.
Key Players to Watch
- Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama): She is the heart and soul of this team. If she’s hitting her shots and getting to the line, Alabama is almost impossible to beat.
- Mia Pauldo (Tennessee): The freshman has been a revelation. She just dropped 26 points against Mississippi State and earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors twice already. Watching her navigate Bama's press will be the game within the game.
What Happened to the Men's Game?
If you were looking for the men's team, you're a day late. They played Saturday in Norman. It was a wild one. Labaron Philon Jr. went off for 23 points, and the Tide finally won a game in Norman for the first time in program history.
The Men’s team doesn’t play again until Saturday, January 24, when they host Tennessee. Yeah, it's a "Tennessee Week" for the entire athletic department. That men's game is a 7:30 PM CT tip-off on ESPN.
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Is There Any Other Alabama Sports Today?
Actually, yes. It's a busy Sunday.
- Men’s Tennis: They are in action today, though it doesn't get the same TV billing as the basketball squads.
- Recruiting: In the 2026 landscape, the transfer portal and recruiting never stop. While there's no football game today (the Rose Bowl Quarterfinal win over Indiana feels like a lifetime ago already), the coaches are likely hitting the road or hosting visitors.
How to Prepare for the 1 PM Tip
Basically, get your snacks ready now. SEC Network coverage usually starts right on the hour, and because it’s a rivalry game, the energy in the building is going to be high from the jump.
Alabama needs this win to stay in the hunt for a top-four seed in the SEC Tournament. A loss today would mean back-to-back defeats, which is a dangerous slide to start in this league. Tennessee is playing for a chance to keep pace with South Carolina at the top.
If you're betting on this, keep an eye on the turnover margin. Alabama lives and dies by forcing mistakes. If Tennessee handles the ball, it could be a long afternoon for the home crowd.
Next Steps for the Fan:
- Check your local listings: Ensure SEC Network isn't blacked out or moved to an alternate channel in your area.
- Sync your apps: If you're on the go, download the SEC+ app or the Varsity Network for the radio broadcast.
- Monitor the injury report: Look for any late scratches in the warm-up period, especially with Alabama's high-intensity rotation.
- Gear up: If you're going to the game, remember it's a Sunday afternoon crowd—get there 30 minutes early to beat the parking mess around Coleman Coliseum.