Alabama men’s basketball made a strong statement on Friday, defeating Kentucky 99-70 in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. This victory marked the third time Alabama beat Kentucky this season, completing a season sweep. The 29-point margin set a new record for the worst defeat in Kentucky’s SEC Tournament history, surpassing a 17-point loss to Florida in 2005.
Freshman Aiden Sherrell expressed that the win demonstrates Alabama’s strength, saying, “We’re the real deal,” and highlighting the team’s hard work and Coach Nate Oats’ recruitment efforts. While Alabama still has a long way to go to match Kentucky’s historical dominance, this achievement is significant for a program on the rise.
Coach Oats believes Alabama has established itself as a top 10 program, acknowledging Kentucky’s strength but emphasizing his team’s competitiveness. The Crimson Tide’s next challenge is against No. 2 seed Florida in the semifinals, a team they struggled against earlier this season. However, for now, Alabama is celebrating its rare feat of beating Kentucky three times in one season, a testament to their resilience and skill.
