No. 18 Tide Erase 11-Point Halftime Deficit for First-Ever Win at Lloyd Noble Center
NORMAN, Okla. | The Alabama Crimson Tide delivered a statement road win Saturday afternoon, erasing an 11-point halftime deficit to defeat the Oklahoma Sooners 83–81 and secure their first victory in program history in Norman.
Behind a dominant second half and clutch late-game execution, No. 18 Alabama (13–5, 3–2 SEC) outscored Oklahoma 50–37 after intermission, showcasing the composure and resilience that have defined the Tide under head coach Nate Oats.
Philon, Sherrell Power the Comeback
Sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr. led all scorers with 23 points, marking his third straight game with 20-plus. Philon poured in 17 of those points in the second half, including two critical three-pointers late and a decisive and-one with 20 seconds remaining.
Forward Aiden Sherrell added 21 points and a game-high nine rebounds, continuing his recent surge after a career-high performance in the Tide’s previous outing. Sherrell scored 14 after halftime, repeatedly igniting Alabama’s rally.
Amari Allen chipped in 12 points, eight rebounds, and a team-leading four assists, while Houston Mallette contributed 12 points and a spark of energy after being inserted into the starting lineup for the second half.
Oklahoma’s Fast Start, Alabama’s Strong Finish
Oklahoma (11–7, 1–4 SEC) controlled much of the first half, closing the period on an 11–0 run to take a 44–33 lead into the break. The Sooners held Alabama scoreless for stretches and limited the Tide to their lowest first-half output of the season.
But Alabama flipped the script early in the second half, opening with a 13–2 run in the first two minutes to immediately erase the deficit. Sherrell scored 12 points in the first eight minutes of the half, while Philon’s perimeter shooting stretched the defense.
The game featured 12 lead changes and nine ties, with Oklahoma leading for over 22 minutes of game time. Still, Alabama controlled the paint (38–34) and leaned on half-court defense, holding the Sooners to 38.9% shooting and just 6-of-24 from three-point range.
Winning Time Execution
With the score tied at 73–73 and just over three minutes remaining, Philon knocked down back-to-back threes to swing momentum. Up 76–75 late, his and-one drive extended the lead to four and effectively sealed the contest. Alabama closed the game on a 16–8 run over the final 4:51.
Oklahoma was led by Xzayvier Brown, who finished with 21 points, while former Alabama standout Derrion Reid added 16 points and nine rebounds.
“We’ve got to be better starting games,” Oats said postgame. “But I loved the way we responded. When it came down to winning time, we had guys step up and make plays.”
The win marked Alabama’s second consecutive double-digit comeback on the road, following a 14-point rally earlier this season at Mississippi State.
What’s Next
Alabama will enjoy a midweek bye before returning to Coleman Coliseum for a marquee SEC matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, Jan. 24. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN/ESPN2.
For the Tide, Saturday’s comeback wasn’t just a win—it was a milestone moment, rewriting history in Norman and reinforcing Alabama’s reputation as one of the SEC’s toughest road teams.
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-- By James W. Thomas
Frank Atkinson contricbuted to this report
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