How Alabama basketball's fifth straight loss to Tennessee felt for Nate Oats

Key Highlights

• "We've been one of the better teams in the league the last few years but for whatever reason we've not had success against them."Alabama hadn't defeated Tennessee since Charles Bediako − who left the pros to join UA thanks to a temporary restraining order during the week − was on the team the first time during the 2021-22 season. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThen, Alabama won 73-68.
• Bediako had five points and just three rebounds − an effort on the glass that repeated itself five years later. Since, the Crimson Tide has lost 68-59, 91-71, 81-74 and 79-76.
• Three of those defeats have been on the road, including last season's heartbreaker at Knoxville, where Alabama lost on a buzzer-beater three."They emphasize toughness and physicality and we've got to do a better job countering that," Oats said. Alabama looks to get back on track on Jan.
• 27 when Dennis Gates and Missouri to Tuscaloosa. Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News.
• She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco. com. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Nate Oats reacts to Alabama basketball fifth series loss to Tennessee.