Aaron Estrada’s Triple-Double Paves Way for Crimson Tide

Oxford, Ms. - Despite a questionable first half defensively from Alabama, the Crimson Tide turned up the heat and scored 62 points in the second half to leave the 'Sip with a 103-88 victory over the Rebels.

It was the efforts of the two individuals in the room with Oats that secured the 12th win in SEC play for Alabama.

Aaron Estrada won the hard had for his 'blue collar' points on the night. Estrada also tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, which is the first triple-double for an Alabama player since Kira Lewis did it in 2020.

Estrada talked about his record night, "Honestly I didn't know I was close to the triple-double. I was just out there playing and trying to get a win."

The offensive explosion in the second half from Davin Cosby Jr. was a major factor for Alabama as well. Nate Oats discussed Cosby's ability to stay positive, "He's always a good attitude, he's always worked hard, and he's never lost confidence. That's hard to do when you're not playing well."

Cosby's attitude was also mentioned by Estrada, "He always practices hard, he always goes hard in every drill."

Oats hinted at Cosby's work in practice being a major factor in the minutes he got on Wednesday, "Davin (Cosby) has had an unbelievable attitude all year [...] he had a great practice yesterday and he earned playing time today."

In March, these are going to be the type of games that Alabama will face against good competition. Oats pointed out a message he had at the end of Alabama's overtime win against Florida: The Crimson Tide know what to do in these situations.

Alabama trailed by 16 points in Athens against the Georgia Bulldogs. They trailed by 10 points late in the second half at home against the Florida Gators. The Crimson Tide trailed by 14 in the first half in Oxford against Ole Miss.

Alabama went 3-0 in those contests.

Alabama has faced adversity on the court this season, and it was that experience they lacked last season when they lost to San Diego State in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

Alabama has the makings of a tournament team that can either play deep into March. The Crimson Tide just have to figure some things out defensively.

It'll also help when Alabama gets Latrell Wrightsell back from injury.

The Crimson Tide can't reminisce on the win in Oxford for too long. The SEC Showdown of the season happens on Saturday, March 2 in Coleman Coliseum. The Tennessee Volunteers come to town, and it very well could be for the SEC regular season title.