Alabama HC Nate Oats Defends 3-Point Heavy Offense

Crimson Tide coach fires back at critics of his team's high-volume three-point shooting approach.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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After Alabama's 12-point win over rival Auburn, Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats defended his team's three-point heavy offensive style, saying they are capable of scoring inside the paint as well. Alabama leads the nation in three-pointers made and attempted per game, but Oats argued they are simply playing the "most efficient basketball" possible.

Why it matters

Alabama's reliance on three-pointers has drawn criticism from some, but the team's high-powered offense has made them a top contender in the SEC and NCAA Tournament. Oats' comments push back on the notion that they are a one-dimensional team that can be easily defended.

The details

Alabama is the top-scoring team in the country, averaging 92.1 points per game. They lead the nation in both three-pointers made (12.8 per game) and attempted (35.5 per game) while shooting 35.9% from deep. However, in their latest win over Auburn, the Crimson Tide scored 58 points in the paint, showing they can also attack the interior. Oats argued his team simply plays "the most efficient basketball" possible, regardless of whether that involves threes or interior scoring.

  • Alabama defeated Auburn on March 8, 2026.
  • The Crimson Tide had won 8 straight games prior to a loss to Georgia on March 5, 2026.

The players

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team, known for his team's high-volume three-point shooting approach.

Alabama Crimson Tide

The men's basketball team of the University of Alabama, currently one of the top-scoring teams in the country with a prolific three-point shooting attack.

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What they’re saying

“People act like we live and die by the 3. That's not it. We play the most efficient basketball we possibly can… We scored 58 points in the paint. If we had made some free throws, we would've scored 100 on them (Auburn).”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

What’s next

Alabama will look to continue their strong play in the SEC Tournament, where they will be either a 3 or 4 seed and a threat to win the title. Their high-powered offense will be a focus as they aim to secure a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Alabama's reliance on three-pointers has drawn criticism, but coach Nate Oats has shown his team can also score effectively in the paint. Their efficient, high-scoring offense makes them a dangerous team capable of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, regardless of whether they are hitting their outside shots.