By Jackson DiLullo

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Crimson Tide suffered their second loss in as many games on Feb. 5, falling flat against No. 5 Kentucky at home 55-66. The Tide now fall to 14-9 on the season and 4-6 in the SEC.

Charles Bediako led the team in scoring with 12 (4-4), he also led the team in rebounds with 8. Jahvon Quinerly’s 4 assists were good to lead the team in that category.

Entering halftime, fans at Coleman Coliseum had reason for optimism; the Crimson Tide only trailed 27-33 despite struggling mightily from the field. With just 3:38 remaining in the contest, fans fled Coleman Coliseum like it was on fire.

In the 1st half, the Crimson Tide posted splits of 33.3, 14.3, and 5o percent. In the 2nd, the Tide regressed and shot 23.5 percent from the field and 6.3 percent from three. They did manage to improve their percentage form the free throw line to 78.6% in the 2nd, however. Alabama shot the ball 64 times yet made only 18.

Despite the tough loss, Alabama won the rebounding battle 47-44. No. 5 Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe—who averages 16.1 points and 15.2 rebounds—had 15 rebounds by himself, making the Tide’s lead in rebounding especially impressive.

Bediako was critical to the Tide’s slight edge on the glass and played one of the best games of his young career. He often matched up against Tshiebwe, who only scored 10 (4-13) points; none of which were on Bediako.

“The major emphasis, especially with a guy like that, was just rebounding. This wasn’t gonna be a one-on-one on Tshiebwe,” said Bediako. “This was a gang rebounding kind of game, and I feel like we did good on that part. Guys had each other’s backs on rebounding.”

The Alabama Crimson Tide lost in disappointing fashion against No. 5 Kentucky and own a record of 1-2 over their last three. The Tide did manage to topple last year’s national champions, an impressive win during the hardest three game stretch any team will play this season.

The Tide will get the chance to right the ship on Feb. 9 when they travel to the Sandy and John Black Pavilion to take on Ole Miss. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. CST.

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