Alabama Basketball Faces Ole Miss in Midweek Border Battle

Crimson Tide looks to bounce back from loss of key player Bediako against Rebels' 'No-Middle' defense

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team hits the road to take on the Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford tonight. The Tide will be without starting center Charles Bediako, which could pose challenges against Ole Miss's defensive scheme. However, the Tide is hopeful that guard Latrell Wrightsell will be able to play after being listed as probable.

Why it matters

This is an important SEC matchup between two teams looking to improve their conference standings. Alabama will need to find ways to counter Ole Miss's defensive strategy without their starting big man, while the Rebels hope to capitalize on Alabama's weaknesses and pick up a key home win.

The details

Alabama will be without starting center Charles Bediako, who has been a key contributor this season. This could make it difficult for the Tide to match up against Ole Miss's 'No-Middle' zone defense, which has given them trouble in the past. However, the potential return of guard Latrell Wrightsell provides a boost for Alabama's offense.

  • The game is scheduled for tonight, February 11, 2026.
  • These two teams last met in Tuscaloosa last season, when Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard's defensive schemes gave Alabama's Nate Oats trouble.

The players

Charles Bediako

Alabama's starting center who will not be playing in this game.

Latrell Wrightsell

Alabama guard who is listed as probable to play in this game after missing time.

Chris Beard

Ole Miss head coach known for his effective defensive schemes.

Nate Oats

Alabama head coach who will need to find ways to counter Ole Miss's defense.

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What they’re saying

“As we all know by now, Charles Bediako will not be playing again for the Tide, which will certainly be a detriment going up against Chris Beard's 'No-Middle' zone defense, at least from a rebounding perspective.”

— bamabrave4, Commenter (rollbamaroll.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlights the importance of roster depth and strategic adjustments, as Alabama will need to find ways to overcome the loss of a key player and counter Ole Miss's defensive approach in order to come away with a road victory in this SEC clash.