In a thrilling college basketball matchup, the Tennessee Volunteers secured a notable road victory by upsetting the No. 17 Alabama Crimson Tide 79-73 on Saturday night, January 24, 2026. The win was punctuated by a dramatic alley-oop dunk from Felix Okpara, symbolizing Tennessee’s resilient performance against a ranked opponent.
Tennessee freshman Nate Ament delivered a career-high 29 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and leading the Volunteers’ offensive charge. Ament’s efficiency, particularly in the second half where he scored 18 points, was crucial in maintaining Tennessee’s momentum. Alongside him, guard Ja’K Gillespie added 23 points, providing consistent support and helping to balance the scoring load. The duo’s combined efforts offset Alabama’s defensive attempts and kept the Volunteers in control during critical moments.
The game marked the highly anticipated debut of Charles Bediako for Alabama, who returned to college basketball after nearly three years due to a legal battle with the NCAA. Bediako, receiving a warm welcome from the home crowd, contributed 13 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes. However, his presence wasn’t enough to overcome Tennessee’s defensive intensity, especially with Alabama missing key starters Aden Holloway and Amari Allen due to absences.
Alabama started strong, building a 22-12 lead midway through the first half, but Tennessee responded with a 10-2 run to close the gap. By halftime, Alabama held a narrow 39-36 advantage. The Volunteers came out aggressively in the second half, launching an 11-4 run that included Okpara’s alley-oop dunk, giving them a 47-41 lead. This shift in momentum set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Despite Alabama’s efforts, led by Labaron Philon’s 26 points, the Crimson Tide struggled offensively, shooting only 34.5% from the field in the second half. Tennessee’s defense clamped down in the final minutes, holding Alabama scoreless for the last 3:11 of play. This defensive stand sealed the victory, showcasing the Volunteers’ ability to perform under pressure on the road.
The win extends Tennessee’s winning streak over Alabama to five games, dating back to previous seasons, and marks a significant achievement for the team’s SEC campaign. For Alabama, the loss spoils Bediako’s debut and highlights challenges with player availability and consistency. Both teams now hold 3-3 records in SEC play, making this game pivotal for conference standings and postseason positioning.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will face another test on the road against No. 21 Georgia on Tuesday, while Alabama aims to bounce back by hosting Missouri. The outcome of this game underscores the competitive nature of SEC basketball and sets the stage for crucial matchups in the coming weeks.
