Alabama Defeats Arizona in Thriller at Legacy Arena

Crimson Tide forwards Sherrell and Bowen lead team to victory over Wildcats

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the overlapping, fragmented forms of basketball players in motion, capturing the intensity and dynamism of a defensive play.Alabama's stifling defense on display as Sherrell and Bowen combine to reject Awaka's shot attempt.Today in Birmingham

In a highly anticipated matchup at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team defeated the Arizona Wildcats in a close and hard-fought contest. Alabama forwards Aiden Sherrell and Taylor Bol Bowen played key roles in the victory, with Sherrell and Bowen combining to block a crucial shot attempt by Arizona forward Tobe Awaka.

Why it matters

This win is an important early-season victory for the Alabama program, which is looking to build on its success from last year and establish itself as a top contender in college basketball. The game also featured a clash between two of the sport's rising young stars in Sherrell and Awaka.

The details

Alabama and Arizona battled back-and-forth throughout the game, with neither team able to pull away. In a crucial late-game sequence, Sherrell and Bowen teamed up to block Awaka's shot attempt, preserving Alabama's narrow lead. The Crimson Tide were then able to hold on for the victory in front of the raucous Birmingham crowd at Legacy Arena.

  • The game took place on December 13, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama.

The players

Aiden Sherrell

A forward for the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.

Taylor Bol Bowen

A forward for the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.

Tobe Awaka

A forward for the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Our guys really battled out there tonight. Aiden and Taylor made a huge play to block that shot and help us hold on for the win.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory over a talented Arizona team shows that the Alabama Crimson Tide are poised to be a force to be reckoned with in college basketball this season, led by the strong play of forwards Aiden Sherrell and Taylor Bol Bowen.