Alabama Coach Nate Oats Draws Technical Foul in Win Over Texas A&M

Oats explains what happened during the key moment in the close game.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:07pm

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Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats was called for his second technical foul of the season during the Crimson Tide's 100-97 win over Texas A&M. The technical came with 12:17 left in the second half and Alabama holding a slim lead. After the foul, Texas A&M went on a 6-0 run to take the lead, but Alabama was able to recover and hold on for the victory.

Why it matters

Technical fouls can be momentum-shifting moments in close basketball games, and Oats' technical allowed Texas A&M to briefly take control. However, Alabama was able to regroup and secure an important conference win over a top SEC team.

The details

Oats said he didn't think his comments to the officials warranted a technical foul, but acknowledged he should have "just kept my mouth shut" instead of continuing to argue. The technical free throws allowed Texas A&M to take a 70-64 lead, but Alabama eventually regained control and held on for the win.

  • With 12:17 remaining in the second half, Nate Oats was called for his second technical foul of the season.

The players

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team, who has been called for 29 technical fouls over his 6.5 seasons at Alabama.

Rylan Griffen

A former Alabama guard who is now playing for the Texas A&M Aggies, and shot the technical free throws after Oats' foul.

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What they’re saying

“I've tried to stay away from technicals this year. I didn't say anything necessarily that I thought was deserving of it, but probably just said one last comment. Should've just kept my mouth shut.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

“On the play card I keep in my pocket here, I've got Proverbs 19:11 that says, 'The discretion of a man defers his anger, and it's his glory to pass over transgressions.' So I should have just passed over the transgression, I thought by the referees. But sometimes I don't pull it out and read it like I need to.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

What’s next

The Crimson Tide will look to build on this win as they continue their SEC schedule, while Oats will aim to avoid any further technical fouls that could impact close games.

The takeaway

Nate Oats' technical foul was a key moment in the game, allowing Texas A&M to briefly take the lead, but Alabama was able to recover and secure an important conference victory. The incident highlights the fine line coaches must walk in voicing their disagreement with officials without drawing costly technical fouls.