Alabama falls to Ole Miss in SEC Tournament quarterfinals

Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats disappointed in team's effort in 80-79 loss

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:44am

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No. 2 seed Alabama lost to No. 15 seed Ole Miss, 80-79, in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament on Friday night in Nashville. After the upset loss, Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats spoke to reporters, expressing disappointment in his team's effort and lack of preparation for the surging Rebels squad.

Why it matters

Alabama had been playing well heading into the tournament, winning 9 of 11 games. However, the Crimson Tide struggled with their effort and energy against an Ole Miss team that has now won two straight games. Oats acknowledged he may not have done enough to convince his players how much the Rebels had improved since their earlier meeting. This loss raises questions about Alabama's readiness for the NCAA Tournament, where they will need to play with more intensity to avoid an early exit.

The details

Alabama led by as many as 13 points in the second half, but Ole Miss stormed back and took a 63-50 lead midway through the half. The Crimson Tide were able to cut the deficit late, but ultimately fell 80-79. Oats said his team didn't play hard enough, particularly on the defensive end, allowing Ole Miss to get comfortable early. He took responsibility for not doing enough to prepare his players for how much the Rebels had improved since their previous matchup.

  • Alabama lost to Ole Miss, 80-79, in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals on Friday night in Nashville.

The players

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.

Ole Miss

The 15th-seeded team in the SEC Tournament that upset No. 2 seed Alabama.

Chris Beard

The head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, who has previously coached in a national championship game.

Labaron

An Alabama player who had the ball in his hands on the final possession of the game.

Taylor

An Alabama player who Oats said played well, being a "bright spot" in the loss.

Noah

An Alabama player who Oats said played well, being a "bright spot" in the loss.

Amari

An Alabama player who Oats said needed to improve his effort and energy, especially in the first half.

Trelly

An Alabama player who Oats said needed to get back to what he was doing well a week ago when he was named SEC Player of the Week.

Jemison

An Alabama player who Oats said gives the team a different dynamic when he is playing well offensively.

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What they’re saying

“Got to give Ole Miss a lot of credit. I mean, they're on a run. Coach Beard has coached in a national championship game before. Good coach. Know what he's doing. They had a tough regular season. He's got them playing together, playing well.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach (on3.com)

“We tried to tell our guys this is a lot different team than what we saw in Oxford. They had us down in Oxford, too, then we figured some stuff, went on a run and beat them. This team is playing harder, more connected. Looked to me like we didn't think they were that much better than the first time we played them, despite the fact they just won two games.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach (on3.com)

“A little disappointed with myself just being able to convince our guys how good this team was going to be. They came out, we didn't have an edge to us. They came out ready to play. They kind of killed us on the effort stuff. In the first half, everything was real comfortable for them. We didn't play hard enough.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach (on3.com)

“When you have a team that's on a run, has confidence behind them, get going, you don't play hard enough on defense, the effort stuff, you're asking for a game like where you could end up losing.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach (on3.com)

“Good thing for us is we played well enough at times during the year to guarantee ourself a tournament seed. But we're going to have to play significantly better. That will be one game and done in the NCAA tournament if that's the effort we're going to give in that tournament, as well.”

— Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach (on3.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 loss highlights the need for Alabama to regain its edge and intensity heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Crimson Tide will need to learn from this experience and ensure they bring maximum effort and focus, regardless of their opponent's record or seeding, in order to make a deep run in the Big Dance.