Nate Oats says Alabama needs to ‘get tired of losing’ after falling to Texas
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
After starting the season 11-3 and working its way to a No. 13 ranking, Alabama has suddenly lost its last two games. The Crimson Tide followed up a 96-90 defeat at Vanderbilt with a 92-88 home loss to Texas on Saturday.
This one was tied at 74 with 5:41 remaining in regulation. But the Longhorns eventually pulled ahead for good to pick up a big first win in SEC play. Despite getting 21 points from Labaron Philon Jr., the Tide gave up 28 points to Jordan Pope and 18 each to Dailyn Swain and Tramon Mark.
Meanwhile, the Tide, who fell to 1-2 in conference action, need to ensure losses like this don’t become a habit if they’re to remain in the hunt for a second Final Four appearance in three season.
According to a frustrated Nate Oats after the game, there’s plenty to work on.
“We’re gonna have to figure out the right lineups to play that care enough, compete enough, are tired of losing, got enough personal pride in their defense,” Oats said, according to On3’s Blake Byler.
The Tide are back on the road for their next two games, visiting Mississippi State on Tuesday before traveling to Oklahoma on Jan. 17.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
