Nate Oats Reflects on Alabama’s Late-Game Collapse in 94-85 IBOB Loss, Acknowledges Auburn’s Performance but Expresses Frustration with His Team
Alabama head coach Nate Oats didn’t hold back his frustration following his team’s 94-85 loss to Auburn in the IBOB tournament. Despite leading for much of the game, the Crimson Tide collapsed in the final minutes, allowing Auburn to surge ahead and secure the victory.
“I give Auburn credit—they played tough and executed when it mattered,” Oats said in the postgame press conference. “But I’m extremely frustrated with how we finished. We didn’t take care of the ball, we didn’t get stops, and we let the game slip away.”
Alabama led by as many as 12 points early in the second half, with Mark Sears and Aaron Estrada leading the offensive charge. However, Auburn’s defensive intensity ramped up in the closing minutes, forcing crucial turnovers and sparking a 17-2 run that turned the game in their favor.
“Our effort down the stretch just wasn’t good enough,” Oats continued. “We got outplayed in the final five minutes. We have to be tougher mentally and physically in those situations.”
Auburn’s Johni Broome dominated in the paint, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while guard K.D. Johnson hit a pair of clutch three-pointers to seal the win. Alabama struggled to counter Auburn’s energy, missing key free throws and failing to execute their late-game offense.
Oats emphasized that his team must learn from the loss as they prepare for upcoming challenges. “This one stings, but we have to move on and get better. If we want to compete at a high level, we can’t let games like this slip away.”
Alabama will look to bounce back in their next matchup, while Auburn celebrates a statement win in the IBOB tournament.
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