The showdown between Kentucky and Alabama on Saturday at Rupp Arena more than delivered on its promise of excitement, but it was the Crimson Tide who emerged victorious, edging out the Wildcats 102-97 in a high-octane contest.
From the opening tip, this game was a track meet. Both teams came out swinging, trading runs in a fast-paced and competitive atmosphere. Alabama carried a narrow 47-45 lead into halftime, and while the scoring slowed somewhat in the second half, the intensity never wavered. In the end, Kentucky simply couldn’t muster enough to close it out, leaving Mark Pope’s squad at 14-4 overall and 3-2 in SEC play.
The Wildcats now have a week to regroup before traveling to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt. But first, let’s break down the three major storylines from Saturday’s game.
1. Grant Nelson’s Dominance on Full Display
Grant Nelson was the standout player in this game, and Kentucky simply had no answer for the veteran forward. The fifth-year senior, who has had steady but unspectacular seasons at Alabama, exploded for 25 points and 11 rebounds, including a remarkable 19 points in the first half alone.
Nelson’s versatility was on full display as he punished Kentucky in the paint, on the perimeter, and at the free-throw line. Andrew Carr was tasked with guarding him for much of the game, but it was a mismatch from the start. Nelson’s physicality and ability to draw fouls gave him a clear advantage, and Kentucky’s defense had no counter.
While Nelson’s breakout performance was frustrating for the Wildcats, it highlighted a larger issue: Kentucky’s inability to contain dynamic forwards in high-stakes matchups. Nelson’s playmaking and efficiency made him the difference-maker for Alabama, and Kentucky’s struggles against him underscored lingering defensive gaps.
Smh. pic.twitter.com/1Ekoyizttr
— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) January 18, 2025
2. Otega Oweh Proves His Value
While Kentucky fell short, junior guard Otega Oweh showed once again why he’s the team’s most reliable player. Oweh has been a model of consistency, scoring in double figures in every game this season—a streak unmatched since Malik Monk’s time in Lexington.
Against Alabama, Oweh was a force on both ends of the court. He scored 21 points on an impressive mix of drives, mid-range jumpers, and three-pointers while also grabbing six rebounds, dishing out three assists, and contributing two steals and a block. On defense, Oweh was occasionally switched onto Grant Nelson, holding his own in a tough matchup.
Oweh’s leadership and two-way play have been invaluable for Kentucky this season. Despite the loss, his performance against the Crimson Tide was a bright spot, and he continues to be the engine that drives this Wildcats team.
3. Bench Contributions from Ansley Almonor and Brandon Garrison
With Andrew Carr struggling due to a lingering back injury and an inconsistent showing from Amari Williams, Kentucky’s bench stepped up in a big way.
Ansley Almonor, the Fairleigh Dickinson transfer, provided timely contributions yet again. Known for his clutch shooting, Almonor hit a critical three-pointer to keep Kentucky within striking distance late in the game. While his stat line (5 points, 3 rebounds) may not jump off the page, his ability to deliver in key moments makes him an invaluable veteran presence for this team.
Meanwhile, Brandon Garrison reminded everyone why he was once a McDonald’s All-American. Coming off the bench, Garrison brought energy and efficiency, contributing 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. He even showed his range by knocking down a three-pointer. Garrison’s ability to play at a high level in spurts was critical, especially given the struggles of some of Kentucky’s starters.
Both players exemplified the importance of depth, stepping into larger roles when the Wildcats needed them most. If Kentucky can consistently get this level of production from its bench, it could bode well for the rest of SEC play.
Looking Ahead
This was a tough loss for Kentucky, but it was also a reminder of the team’s potential. Despite defensive lapses and foul trouble, the Wildcats competed at a high level against one of the SEC’s best teams.
With a week off before their next game, the Wildcats have an opportunity to regroup, address defensive concerns, and refocus for the road ahead. Vanderbilt will present a different challenge, and Kentucky must be ready to bounce back if it hopes to stay competitive in the conference race.
For now, Mark Pope and his team will reflect on what went wrong against Alabama while taking heart in the standout performances that kept them in the game. The Wildcats’ season is far from over, but the path forward will require greater consistency and resilience as SEC play heats up.
