Alabama Men’s Basketball Completes Major Comeback to Topple Sooners in Norman

NORMAN, Okla. - The Crimson Tide traveled to Norman, Oklahoma, for a Saturday afternoon date with the Sooners as Alabama looked to establish a winning streak, albeit short, heading into the Tide's bye week during SEC play. Alabama needed to get healthy during the week, but first, needed to handle its business against Oklahoma in the Lloyd Noble Center.

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The Crimson Tide needed a big second-half comeback after taking an 11-point deficit into the midgame break, but big performances by sophomores Labaron Philon and Aiden Sherrell had the Crimson Tide in prime position to complete the comeback, as Alabama defeated Oklahoma 83-81 to secure the Tide's third win in SEC play. Philon led the way for the Crimson Tide's scoring with 23 points, while Aiden Sherrell was hot on his heels with 21 points. Amari Allen and Houston Mallette both had 12 points for Alabama.

The first half saw poor percentages from the Crimson Tide, with just 21.1% from three, and no players scoring double-digit points. Meanwhile, for Oklahoma, both Derrion Reid (Alabama transfer) and Tae Davis scored double digits, leading to the Sooners' 11-point first-half lead.

The second half saw that momentum swing in favor of Alabama, with Philon scoring 17 in the second half (shooting 60% from the floor in the second half) and Aiden Sherrell scoring 14 (5-7 from the floor) and contributing a team-leading six rebounds in the second half. The three-ball started falling for Alabama in the second half as well, with the Tide making 42.9% of its three-point shots in the second half, led by Labaron Philon (2-3) and Houston Mallette (2-5).

The Crimson Tide escapes Norman, Oklahoma, with an 83-81 victory over the Sooners to advance to 13-5 overall and 3-2 in SEC play. Alabama's next game will come on Saturday, January 17, against the Tennessee Volunteers in Coleman Coliseum.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.