The Alabama Crimson Tide secured a commanding 92-81 victory over the Kennesaw State Owls during the Rocket City Classic held in Huntsville, Alabama, on December 21, 2025. Despite a dominant first half where Alabama built a lead of as many as 30 points, Kennesaw State outperformed the Tide in the second half, scoring 53 points compared to Alabama’s 38. This win marks the second consecutive triumph for Alabama head coach Nate Oats against his former assistant, Antoine Pettway.
Alabama’s sophomore forward, Aiden Sherrell, emerged as a standout player, achieving a season-high score of 21 points. Sherrell’s performance included an impressive 8-for-10 shooting from the field and seven rebounds. He managed to establish his scoring early, netting 15 points by halftime. “The guards were finding me a lot,” Sherrell noted post-game, attributing his success to team dynamics and effective playmaking.
Oats praised Sherrell for his recent improvements, particularly in rim protection and defense. He emphasized the player’s growth over the past couple of months. “He’s made huge strides here in his play over the last month to month and a half,” Oats said.
Despite the victory, Alabama faced challenges on the boards, being outrebounded by Kennesaw State 46-41 for the game. This marked the second consecutive week the Crimson Tide struggled in this area after a similar outcome against South Florida. The Owls dominated the offensive rebounds with a 15-13 advantage, and they outperformed Alabama 23-17 on the glass in the second half. Oats expressed concern regarding the team’s rebounding efforts, indicating the need for greater physicality and toughness in the frontcourt.
“If you don’t want to rebound, you’re not going to play,” Oats stated, emphasizing the importance of rebounding in the team’s strategy moving forward. He highlighted the potential of Amari Allen, who returned from a hip injury to contribute eight rebounds and nine points, ensuring he was a significant presence during the game.
Allen’s performance was particularly noteworthy given his recent absence from the lineup. Oats remarked on Allen’s resilience, stating, “He made some tough plays on the glass in the win.” The coach expressed optimism that time off during the Christmas break would help Allen recover fully, enhancing his contributions as SEC play approaches.
As Alabama prepares for its final non-conference game against Yale on December 29, Oats remains focused on addressing the team’s rebounding deficiencies. The upcoming match will be crucial for the Crimson Tide as they transition into their Southeastern Conference schedule against Kentucky.
In summary, while Alabama’s performance showcased its offensive capabilities, the team’s rebounding challenges highlight areas needing improvement as they move forward in the season. The game served as a valuable opportunity for the Tide to assess their strengths and weaknesses ahead of a crucial stretch in their schedule.
