Arkansas Guard Amere Brown Eager for Rematch with Alabama in SEC Tournament

Meleek Thomas, Brown's childhood friend, takes a more measured approach to facing the Crimson Tide again.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:48am

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Arkansas guard Amere Brown is hoping for a rematch with Alabama in the SEC Tournament after the Razorbacks narrowly lost to the Crimson Tide in double overtime earlier this season. Brown, a close friend of Arkansas star Meleek Thomas, watched from the bench as his teammates fouled out one by one against Alabama. While Thomas is focused on the task at hand, Brown is eager for another shot at the Tide. The two teams are on a collision course to meet in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals.

Why it matters

This potential rematch between Arkansas and Alabama would be a highly anticipated matchup, as the teams played a thrilling double-overtime game earlier this season. The Razorbacks came up just short, but Brown is hungry for revenge. The game could also have major implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament seeding and momentum heading into March Madness.

The details

In the previous meeting between Arkansas and Alabama, the short-handed Razorbacks fell just short in a war of attrition, with players fouling out one by one. Brown, who only played five minutes in that game, was ready to check in if needed in the final minutes. While Arkansas coach John Calipari opted to play walk-ons instead, Brown is eager for another shot at the Crimson Tide. Thomas, the Razorbacks' star player, had a big game in the first matchup with 24 points and 6 rebounds.

  • On February 18, Arkansas lost to Alabama in double overtime.
  • The SEC Tournament quarterfinals are scheduled for Friday, March 14.

The players

Amere Brown

A freshman guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who is close friends with teammate Meleek Thomas and has become a fan favorite for his energy and community involvement.

Meleek Thomas

A star sophomore guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who had a big game against Alabama earlier this season, scoring 24 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team, who believes that occasional losses can help sharpen his team's focus.

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What they’re saying

“Alabama was crazy. It was just bodies dropping. People just kept fouling out, so I'm like, 'Man, I really gotta be ready.'”

— Amere Brown, Arkansas Guard

“No specific team for me.”

— Meleek Thomas, Arkansas Guard

“You've got to create a little edge. Sometimes a loss helps you create that.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach

What’s next

If Arkansas and Alabama both win their SEC Tournament quarterfinal matchups, the two teams will face off again in the semifinals on Friday, March 14.

The takeaway

This potential rematch between Arkansas and Alabama in the SEC Tournament would be a highly anticipated game, as the teams played a thrilling double-overtime contest earlier this season. While Meleek Thomas is focused on the task at hand, his close friend Amere Brown is eager for another shot at the Crimson Tide, hoping to avenge the Razorbacks' narrow defeat.