Alabama tops Texas A&M in back-and-forth thriller to pick up bounce-back win
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Facing must-win pressure, Alabama picked up a key win on Wednesday night over Texas A&M, which entered the game atop the SEC standings. In a game that was tied at halftime and came down to the final seconds, the Crimson Tide won 100-97 in Tuscaloosa.
Wednesday’s game was as close as it gets. Alabama and Texas A&M were tied 13 times and saw 28 lead changes in the game. The Aggies even had a 95-94 lead with 1:33 left, but Nate Oats’ team closed out strong at home.
Oats employed the foul-up-3 strategy, and it meant the drama went all the way to the final buzzer. Trailing 100-97, the Aggies shot 2 free throws and missed both. On the rebound, Texas A&M was able to get Ryaln Griffen a look from 3-point range to potentially tie it up and send it to overtime. He missed, and the horn sounded.
Aden Holloway was Wednesday’s night hero for the Tide. He was UA’s high scorer with 20 points, making it a 2-possession game (99-95) with a highlight score with 22 seconds left.
BIZZZZZZ pic.twitter.com/RdeCnGrbK8
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) February 5, 2026
It was a big night for the Bama backcourt, as Labaron Philon added 17 points, including 13 in the second half.
The 3-ball was flying at Coleman Coliseum. The teams combined for 79 3-point attempts, most in an SEC game this season. A&M was 13-of-31, and Alabama’s 16-of-48 ended up being the difference in a tight contest. A&M did better in the paint (38-30) while Alabama made 2 more free throws (22-20).
Texas A&M is now 17-5 overall and 7-2 in conference play. The Aggies drop sole possession of first place in the SEC and are now tied with Florida, its Saturday opponent in College Station.
Alabama improves to 15-7 overall and 5-4 in the SEC. The Tide travel to Auburn on Saturday for the Iron Bowl of Basketball rivalry showdown.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
