Alabama basketball opened SEC play by continuing its recent dominance over Kentucky, rolling past the Wildcats 89–74 on Saturday night at Coleman Coliseum.
The Crimson Tide improved to 12–3 on the season and made it four straight wins over Kentucky. Alabama set the tone early, building a lead that stretched to 21 points before the Wildcats made a second-half push. Any momentum Kentucky gained was quickly erased, as Alabama limited the Wildcats to just six points over the final six minutes to close the game with authority.
Aden Holloway paced the Tide, tying his career high with 26 points while drilling six of his eight attempts from three-point range. Alabama leaned heavily into its perimeter attack, knocking down 15 three-pointers on 38 attempts.
Labaron Philon returned from a one-game absence caused by a left leg injury and added 17 points. Houston Mallette chipped in 14, Amari Allen scored 11, and Noah Williamson provided 10 points off the bench, giving Alabama five players in double figures. The Tide shot 46 percent from the field, held a 41–37 rebounding edge, and limited Kentucky to 42 percent shooting.
After the loss, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope addressed reporters, detailing where the Wildcats fell short and what Alabama did to control the game.
Pope frustrated with Kentucky’s offense and ball movement
Pope pointed to a lack of aggression, pace, and ball movement as key issues, especially after Kentucky’s recent strong shooting performances.
“We were a nine-assist team tonight,” Pope said. “That’s just not good basketball. We didn’t get downhill, our pace wasn’t where it needed to be, and our practice habits didn’t translate. We didn’t make plays for each other.”
Alabama’s shooting stretched Kentucky’s defense
Alabama’s ability to create clean perimeter looks proved difficult for Kentucky to manage, particularly early.
“They hurt us with flares early,” Pope said. “They’ve got shooters all over the floor — that’s Alabama basketball. When we were able to contest, we had some success, but we didn’t get there enough. Their ball movement caused problems, especially in two-man actions when our communication slipped.
Pope praises Mouhamed Dioubate in return to Tuscaloosa
Former Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate, now wearing Kentucky blue, logged 21 minutes and finished with six points and eight rebounds in his return to Coleman Coliseum.
“He’s exactly who you think he is,” Pope said. “He’s tough, he cares about winning, he cares about his teammates, and he’s a good leader. He’s been and will continue to be a huge piece for us.
Physicality and rebounding loom large
Pope also highlighted Alabama’s physical presence, particularly around the basket, as a major difference in the game.
“They collapsed the paint and made it crowded,” Pope said. “We were really disappointed with our effectiveness on the glass. We knew rebounding had to be a massive point of emphasis. Credit Alabama — they showed up and were physical, and we weren’t.”
Kentucky was out-rebounded overall and on the offensive glass, a result Pope said doesn’t align with the identity he wants his team to establish.
Pope notes Noah Williamson’s impact
Alabama transfer Noah Williamson, a 7-foot senior from Bucknell, scored 10 points in 18 minutes off the bench. Pope noted Kentucky was already familiar with his game.
“We played against him last year,” Pope said. “We had a good sense of him. He’s a good player.”
Alabama will look to carry its momentum forward as SEC play continues, while Kentucky heads back to work searching for answers after another tough night against the Crimson Tide.
