‘Banged up’ Alabama basketball bullies Longhorns on the road: Score, highlights

In a highly anticipated non-conference showdown, the Alabama Crimson Tide went into the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, and delivered a stunning performance, defeating the Texas Longhorns 84–69. Despite being plagued by injuries that sidelined key players, Alabama displayed remarkable depth, toughness, and grit to secure a commanding victory. With a well-balanced offensive attack and a suffocating defense, Alabama overcame the adversity of missing several rotation players and proved why they are one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball this season.

The win pushed the Crimson Tide to a 17-5 record and solidified their standing in the upper echelon of college basketball. For Texas, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow after a season of ups and downs. Despite a valiant effort, the Longhorns could not keep pace with Alabama’s relentless energy, and the lack of consistency both offensively and defensively ultimately doomed them.

This game was not just another regular-season contest—it was a showcase of the resilience of Alabama’s roster, the dynamic play of their key contributors, and the unrelenting team-first mentality that has been a hallmark of coach Nate Oats’ program. Let’s take a closer look at the critical factors that led to Alabama’s impressive victory over Texas.

1. Alabama’s Depth Shines Through Injury Concerns

Despite entering the game without several key players, Alabama was able to demonstrate just how deep their roster is. Injuries to starters Noah Clowney, Mark Sears, and Jaden Ivey had many questioning how the Tide would perform on the road against a talented Texas squad. But the Crimson Tide’s bench players rose to the occasion, and their depth became one of the defining factors in the win.

Brandon Miller: The Star Shines Bright

Despite being one of the youngest players on the floor, Brandon Miller carried the offensive load for Alabama in this game. The freshman phenom put together a 28-point performance, knocking down key shots from all over the floor and keeping Texas at bay when the Longhorns attempted to make a push. Miller’s 6’9″ frame, combined with his ability to stretch the floor as a shooter and finish around the rim, made him nearly impossible to defend.

Miller’s efficiency was a key component of Alabama’s offense. He finished the game with 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, rounding out his stat line as a true multi-dimensional player. His combination of athleticism and basketball IQ allowed him to exploit Texas’ defensive lapses, whether by hitting a contested jumper or grabbing an offensive rebound for a putback. Miller’s leadership on the floor was evident in his maturity, especially in a hostile environment like the Erwin Center, and his ability to step up in a tough spot without the help of his injured teammates solidified his status as one of the best players in the nation.

Jahvon Quinerly and Darius Miles: Stepping Up in the Backcourt

With Mark Sears and Jaden Ivey sidelined, the pressure was on Alabama’s remaining guards to step up, and both Jahvon Quinerly and Darius Miles answered the call. Quinerly, who has often been known for his ability to create offense for others, was the steadying force Alabama needed, contributing 16 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. Quinerly’s ball-handling and poise under pressure were crucial in helping Alabama maintain its tempo and control throughout the game.

Darius Miles, a player known for his athleticism and defensive prowess, chipped in with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Miles was not only effective in scoring but was also a key player on the defensive end, using his length to contest shots and create transition opportunities for the Tide. His hustle plays—whether it was securing a tough rebound or blocking a shot at the rim—played a big role in Alabama’s ability to stifle Texas’ offensive rhythm. Miles’ performance was a reminder that Alabama’s success is not dependent on one or two players but rather the collective effort of the entire team.

Alabama’s Bench: A Vital Role

Perhaps the biggest story of this game was the critical contributions from Alabama’s bench players. Rylan Griffen, a freshman guard, and Primo Spears, a junior transfer, provided much-needed scoring and defense off the bench. Griffen, in particular, was instrumental in the first half, scoring 10 of his 12 points early and helping to stretch Texas’ defense. His ability to knock down shots and provide energy helped to relieve some of the pressure on Miller, allowing Alabama to build a lead that would never be relinquished.

On the defensive end, Charles Bediako, Alabama’s 7-footer, played a key role in protecting the rim and altering Texas’ offensive flow. Bediako’s presence in the paint forced the Longhorns to change their attack, and his shot-blocking ability deterred Texas from driving to the basket. Bediako finished with 7 points and 4 rebounds, but it was his defense that left a lasting impact.

2. Defensive Domination: Alabama Stifles Texas

While Alabama’s offensive depth was impressive, the real story of the game was the Tide’s suffocating defense. Texas entered the game with a strong reputation for physicality, particularly on the offensive end. However, they were unable to solve Alabama’s defensive schemes, which frustrated the Longhorns all night long.

Pressure on Texas’ Ball Handlers

Alabama’s defense was relentless, applying pressure on Texas’ ball handlers throughout the game. The Tide’s guards—particularly Jahvon Quinerly and Darius Miles—were able to disrupt the Texas offense by forcing turnovers and preventing clean ball movement. Texas’ guards, such as Tyrese Hunter and Marcus Carr, struggled to initiate offense against Alabama’s swarming defense, and the Longhorns were forced to take contested shots or play at a slower pace than they would have preferred.

Alabama’s defensive intensity resulted in 14 Texas turnovers, which were quickly turned into fast-break opportunities. The Crimson Tide’s ability to capitalize on these turnovers helped extend their lead, as they scored 18 points off turnovers, a key stat that tilted the game in their favor. The combination of on-ball pressure and the ability to contest shots was a key reason why Texas was never able to find any offensive rhythm.

Limiting Texas’ Inside Game

Texas’ frontcourt, which includes players like Dylan Disu and Timmy Allen, has often been a strength of their offense. However, against Alabama’s frontcourt, which featured Noah Clowney and Charles Bediako, Texas found themselves unable to establish a consistent presence in the paint. Bediako and Clowney’s length and athleticism made it difficult for Texas to get easy points in the post, and their help defense in the paint was key in preventing Texas from getting to the free-throw line as often as they would have liked.

Texas finished the game with just 34 points in the paint, a far cry from their usual dominance inside. Alabama’s big men were not only able to contest shots but also grabbed crucial rebounds, limiting Texas to just 7 offensive rebounds. This defensive dominance inside played a crucial role in Alabama’s ability to control the tempo of the game and force Texas to settle for jump shots.

3. Texas’ Struggles: Offensive Inconsistencies and Missed Opportunities

For Texas, this loss highlighted the team’s struggles to find consistency on offense. While the Longhorns have been known for their toughness and defensive identity under head coach Chris Beard, their offensive woes were too much to overcome against a team like Alabama.

Turnovers and Poor Shooting

Texas simply could not avoid mistakes on the offensive end. The Longhorns shot just 42% from the field and 30% from three-point range, an indication of how well Alabama’s defense executed its game plan. Texas’ inability to generate easy baskets, coupled with an uncharacteristic 14 turnovers, put them at a significant disadvantage.

When Texas did get good looks, they often couldn’t convert. Tyrese Hunter, one of Texas’ primary offensive weapons, struggled throughout the game, finishing with just 8 points on 3-of-9 shooting. Hunter’s lack of scoring ability meant that Texas was forced to rely on their bench players, none of whom could consistently provide the necessary spark to close the gap.

Marcus Carr, who is known for his ability to score and facilitate, had an off night as well, finishing with just 10 points and 4 assists on 4-of-12 shooting. Carr’s inability to take control of the game and score efficiently in the clutch hurt Texas, as they were never able to sustain any offensive momentum.

Lack of Defensive Execution

Defensively, Texas was not able to stop Alabama’s balanced scoring attack. Although the Longhorns held Alabama to a modest shooting percentage in the first half, the Tide’s ability to find open shooters and exploit mismatches in the second half led to a surge that Texas could not contain. Alabama hit key three-pointers, including a crucial stretch from Rylan Griffen, to extend their lead, and Texas’ inability to keep pace offensively left them with no answers.

 A Statement Win for Alabama

Alabama’s 84–69 victory over Texas was a statement game for a team that, despite injury setbacks, showed resilience and depth. The Crimson Tide’s well-rounded offensive attack, coupled with their stifling defense, made it clear that they are a force to be reckoned with as they approach the

heart of the SEC season. Brandon Miller’s brilliance, the defensive intensity from the Tide’s guards and bigs, and the strong contributions from the bench were all factors in this commanding win.

For Texas, this loss is another learning experience. Despite their defensive tenacity and physicality, the Longhorns’ inability to execute offensively in critical moments ultimately doomed them. As they prepare for the rest of their schedule, they’ll need to find more consistency on that end of the floor if they hope to compete with the best in the nation.

For Alabama, this win solidifies their place among the top teams in college basketball and demonstrates that they can overcome adversity, even on the road, to achieve victory. With March Madness on the horizon, Alabama will be a team to watch closely as they look to make a deep run.