Alabama Stunned by Ole Miss in SEC Tournament

0:00On March 14th, in a stunning upset, 15-seat Ole Miss knocked out second-seat Alabama by a score of 80-79 in the SEC Tournament, quarterfinals on Friday night. The Rebels never trailed and advanced after two straight wins, while the Crimson Tide entered fresh off a double buy and nearly a week of rest. Ole Miss had already taken down higher seats, including Georgia and Texas A&M, showing serious momentum heading into the match-up. Alabama, who dominated the Rebels by 19 points just a month earlier, couldn't find their rhythm from the start. Coach Nate Oates pointed to a lack of energy and effort across the whole team, not just the young players, saying, everyone needs to grasp how tough. Tournament play gets in March. Veterans and freshman alike fell short on defense, letting Ole Miss build and hold a lead. Players like forward to Mari Allen and guard the trail right-sell, admitted coming into relaxed, overlooking the Rebels' desperation since their season, was on the line.

1:01Right-sell, a team leader from last year's Final Four run, owned up to not setting the right-tone early. With Selection Sunday around the corner, this wake-up call leaves Alabama rethinking their approach as they await an NCAA tournament bid and hope to, avoid more March surprises.