On February 11, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. CST, the Texas Longhorns will host the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Bama coach Nate Oats expects his team to focus on this game before facing off against #2 Auburn this weekend in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama boasts a 20-3 overall record and a 9-1 mark in SEC play, tying them with Auburn atop the SEC standings. The Tide’s high-octane offense averages 90.0 points per game, spearheaded by senior guard Mark Sears, who contributes 17.8 points and 5.0 assists per contest. Forward Grant Nelson averages 12.9 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.
The Crimson Tide’s up-tempo style and emphasis on three-point shooting have been central to their success. Bama outlasted Arkansas 85-81 on Saturday after being up 18 points in the 2nd half, frustrating Oats in how his team finished and closed out the game. This game against the Longhorns will be the last opportunity to improve that aspect before facing off against the Tigers on Saturday.
Texas, unranked and near the bottom of the SEC rankings, holds a 15-9 overall record and a 4-7 record in SEC play. Freshman guard Tre Johnson has been a standout, leading the SEC in scoring with 19.0 points per game. His ability to create shots and facilitate offense makes him a focal point for the Longhorns. Notably, Johnson has recorded 21 assists against just six turnovers over the last five contests and has double-digit scoring in 21 of his 22 games played. Texas most recently fell to Vanderbilt 78-86 this past weekend.
The Longhorns’ defense is anchored by senior forward Kadin Shedrick, who averages 1.7 blocks per game. Their defensive strategy focuses on limiting perimeter shooting and controlling the boards. However, they have occasionally struggled against teams with quick guard play, which could be a concern against Alabama’s backcourt.
Historically, Texas leads the all-time series against Alabama 9-4, with the most recent meeting on December 22, 2017, resulting in a 66-50 victory for the Longhorns.
Key factors in this matchup will include Alabama’s ability to maintain their offensive tempo against Texas’s defensive schemes and the Longhorns’ capacity to exploit the Crimson Tide’s interior defense. Bama, if it has a lead late, has to find a way to close out the game. Rebounding will also play a crucial role, as both teams look to control possession and limit second-chance opportunities.
Game Summary:
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Date and Time: February 11, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. CST
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Location: Moody Center, Austin, Texas
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Television: ESPN | Watch on Fubo
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Streaming: Available on the ESPN app
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Current Rankings: Alabama is ranked No. 2 nationally; Texas is unranked
- Odds: Bama -4.5 | O/U: Under 165.5 points