The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2024-25 basketball season has hit a rough patch, as they dropped their third consecutive game for the second time this season in a thrilling 123-119 loss to the Sacramento Kings. This high-scoring battle, which took place at Coleman Coliseum, showcased Alabama’s offensive firepower but also highlighted their growing struggles on defense, leaving fans concerned as the team falls to 22-18 overall.
This latest defeat comes at a critical point in the season, with Alabama already reeling from two earlier losses that had dimmed their hopes of securing a strong postseason berth. The loss to Sacramento marks another frustrating chapter in the Crimson Tide’s season, as they’ve now dropped to a 2-7 record in their last nine games, adding pressure to a squad that had previously been in strong contention for a top seed in March Madness.
A High-Octane First Half
The game started with both teams eager to push the pace, and Alabama seemed to have the upper hand early on. With standout performances from guard Brandon Miller, who scored 28 points, and big man Charles Bediako, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, the Crimson Tide established an offensive rhythm early. Alabama shot an impressive 48% from the field in the first half and seemed poised to take control of the game, entering the halftime break with a 64-61 lead.
Sacramento, however, was relentless. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis spearheaded the Kings’ offensive attack, combining for 45 points and 20 rebounds in the first half alone. Fox, in particular, was explosive, driving through the Alabama defense and dishing out assists to his teammates. Despite the strong performance from Alabama’s offense, they struggled defensively, allowing Sacramento to score efficiently and stay within striking distance.
Alabama’s lack of defensive intensity in the first half was evident, and it became clear that their struggles would only worsen as the game progressed. Although the Crimson Tide’s offense was impressive, their inability to stop the Kings’ versatile attack started to show in the latter stages of the second half.
Second Half Breakdown
As the second half unfolded, Sacramento’s offensive machine continued to roll. The Kings turned up the heat, hitting timely three-pointers and exploiting Alabama’s defensive lapses. Fox, who finished the game with 31 points, was everywhere—attacking the rim, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, and distributing the ball to his teammates. Sabonis added 22 points and 15 rebounds, providing the Kings with a consistent inside presence that Alabama struggled to counter.
The Crimson Tide hung around thanks to more stellar scoring from Miller, who had 16 points in the second half, and Bediako’s efforts on the glass. But despite their best efforts to respond, Alabama’s defense continued to falter. Sacramento’s outside shooting was a key factor in their resurgence, as they knocked down 14 three-pointers on the night, including crucial shots that pushed them ahead in the final minutes.
Alabama’s defense, which has been a point of concern for much of the season, could not find any answers for Sacramento’s shooters. The Kings went on a 10-2 run to take a 117-111 lead with just under two minutes remaining. The Crimson Tide did manage to close the gap to 121-119 after a three-pointer from Jaden Ivey, but the late-game execution was not enough to overcome Sacramento’s offensive onslaught. Fox sealed the victory for the Kings with a layup in the closing seconds, handing Alabama another painful loss.
Alabama’s Struggles and the Road Ahead
After the game, Alabama head coach Nate Oats expressed frustration with his team’s defensive performance and the missed opportunities that led to the loss.
“We’ve been talking about defense all season,” Oats said in his postgame interview. “It’s just not clicking for us right now. We’re giving up way too many open shots, and we’re not executing when it matters most. Offensively, we’re fine, but basketball is a two-way game. We need to find a way to get stops.”
With their third straight loss, Alabama’s postseason hopes are beginning to dwindle. Their recent slide has raised questions about whether they can recover in time for March Madness. The Crimson Tide’s next game is an important road matchup against Auburn, another SEC rival, where they will need to put together a complete game if they hope to halt their losing streak and regain momentum.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, Alabama must find a way to tighten up defensively and address their recurring issues if they want to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. With the team’s talent and potential, the hope is still alive, but the Crimson Tide’s performance over the next few games will be crucial to determining their postseason fate.
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