Nate Ament helps Tennessee get past No. 17 Alabama, spoiling Charles Bediako’s debut

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Tennessee freshman Nate Ament scored a career-high 29 points, Ja’K Gillespie added 23 and the Volunteers upended No. 17 Alabama 79-73 on Saturday night.

The loss ruined Charles Bediako’s debut for Alabama. He was playing his first college game in nearly three years after securing a temporary restraining order in an ongoing eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA. Bediako received a loud ovation when he entered the game after almost 4 minutes. He scored two quick baskets and finished with 13 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes.

Announcement

He gave a lift to Alabama (13-6, 3-3 SEC), which was without two starters Saturday: guard Aden Holloway and forward Amari Allen, who are the team’s second- and third-leading scorers. Alabama’s offense, which ranks third nationally in points per game (93.7), posted its lowest total of the season.

Labaron Philon led Alabama with 26 points and Latrell Wrightsell added 14.

The victory marked Tennessee’s fifth straight over Alabama, its longest streak since 1968-72.

Bediako’s spark helped Alabama take a 10-point lead midway through the first half – 22-12 with 9:98 to play, but Tennessee (13-6, 3-3) outscored Alabama by a 24-17 margin to close the gap to 39-36 at halftime. The Volunteers opened the second half on an 11-4 run to take a 47-41 lead with 16:33 to play.

Announcement

Tennessee’s offense was led by Ament, who scored 18 second-half goals on 7-12 shooting, with five rebounds and two assists. On the other end, Alabama’s offense struggled, shooting just 34.5 percent from the field in the second half.

Philon missed a jump shot with 2:11 to play that would have cut Tennessee’s lead to one possession, but the Volunteers stifled Alabama the rest of the way. The Crimson Tide did not score a point in the final 3:11 of the game.

After you

Tennessee travels to No. 21 Georgia on Tuesday.

Alabama hosts Missouri on Tuesday.

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