Tide Hoops Heating Up!

Nate Oats' Tide Hoops are off to a blistering start, navigating another famously tough non-conference schedule.

Upset in Chicago!

Wednesday night saw No. 11 Alabama storm into Chicago and topple the No. 8 Illinois Fighting Illini 90-86! The United Center might have felt like Illini territory, but the Tide didn't flinch.

Top-Ten Takedowns

This marks the Tide's SECOND road win against a top-ten opponent this season, following their victory over St. John's at MSG. With a 3-1 record, their only loss was a close one against Purdue, arguably the nation's best.

Oats' Post-Game Thoughts

"That’s a good team we just played," Oats said of Illinois. "They’re going to be competing for a national championship...I thought our guys fought." He also praised the contributions of Keitenn Bristow and freshman Amari Allen.

Philon Shines!

Sophomore Labaron Philon, a Mobile native, led the charge with a scorching 24 points in just 25 minutes, along with five assists. He exploded in the second half, racking up 19 of those points!

Depth On Display

Oats highlighted the contributions of Houston Mallette and Latrell Wrightsell Jr., emphasizing the team's tight-knit bond. "A lot of different guys answered the bell," he said.

Historical Context

This is the sixth victory over an AP Top-10 opponent under Oats. The win also marks the fifth consecutive victory for the program over Illinois, dating back to 1986.

What's Next?

The Tide head to Las Vegas for a Thanksgiving week tournament, facing another ranked opponent in Gonzaga on Monday, followed by UNLV the next day!