LEAD STORY: Vols Outlast Tide, Spoil Bediako's Return
In a game buzzing with the unprecedented return of former pro Charles Bediako, it was a Tennessee Volunteers freshman who stole the show. Forward Nate Ament dropped a career-high 29 points to lead the Volunteers past No. 17 Alabama 79-73 in a hostile Coleman Coliseum on Saturday night. The Crimson Tide, despite getting 13 points and two blocks from Bediako in his first collegiate game since 2023, couldn't overcome a shorthanded roster and the Vols' potent one-two punch.
Alabama jumped out to a 22-12 lead in the first half, but Tennessee weathered the storm, closing the gap to 39-36 by halftime. The Volunteers opened the second half on a mission, quickly erasing the deficit and trading blows with the Tide throughout the period. Tennessee’s defense proved decisive, locking down in the final nine minutes to secure their fifth consecutive victory over Alabama. Ja'Kobi Gillespie was sensational for the Vols, adding 24 points to complement Ament's stellar performance.
The Crimson Tide (13-6, 3-3 SEC) felt the absence of injured starters Aden Holloway and Amari Allen, who combine for nearly 30 points per game. Labaron Philon Jr. stepped up with a team-high 26 points and seven assists for Alabama, but it wasn't enough to secure the home victory. With the loss, both teams now stand at 13-6 overall and 3-3 in conference play.
QUICK HITS
- MIZZOU'S MIRACLE FINISH: Missouri may have saved its season with a stunning 88-87 overtime victory against Oklahoma, sealed by a Mark Mitchell three-pointer at the buzzer. The Tigers forced OT in equally dramatic fashion when Trent Pierce drilled a 37-footer as time expired in regulation. Mitchell finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while T.O. Barrett added a career-high 21 points in his first start.
- PERRY'S COLD HOMECOMING: Former Kentucky guard and Lyon County legend Travis Perry had a difficult return to Rupp Arena. Now with Ole Miss, Perry was held scoreless on 0-for-3 shooting in the Rebels' 72-63 loss to the Wildcats. The in-state star, who is Kentucky's all-time high school leading scorer, was held in check by his former team in a hostile environment.
- ANOTHER TIGER FOR MIZZOU: Missouri football added another piece to its 2026 recruiting class, securing a commitment from in-state running back Preston Hatfield of Lee's Summit. The speedy 5-foot-9 athlete joins high school teammate Karsten Fiene as a future Tiger.
- GEORGIA TRACK & FIELD SHINES: The Georgia Track & Field team had a record-setting weekend at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Invite in New Mexico. The Bulldogs saw a new school record set in the men's 60-meter hurdles and collected numerous top finishes, tying for the most first-place results of any of the 15 competing schools.
PORTAL WATCH
Several athletes have recently found new homes via the transfer portal. The latest commitments include:
- Connor Barry
- Jaden Miller
- Demario Bookhart
- Ty Jones
- Chris Kalu
- Jose Balver-Mendoza
- Kevin Schaeffer
- Spencer Webb
- Lawrence Johnson
- Tariq Thomas
RECRUITING BUZZ
Preston Hatfield | RB | Lee's Summit, MO
The Missouri Tigers continue to build a fence around their home state, landing a commitment from 2026 running back Preston Hatfield. Hatfield, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound back known for his speed and shiftiness, announced his pledge Saturday. He joins a growing list of local talent heading to Columbia.
GAMES TO WATCH
- Oklahoma at Auburn | TBD
- Vanderbilt at South Carolina | TBD
- Mississippi State at Alabama | TBD
- Texas at Arkansas | TBD