Alabama makes history after defeating No. 1 Houston

Nates Oats is not afraid to schedule a tough nonconference schedule for Alabama, already playing some of the top teams in the country. Saturday was the latest challenge, with the Crimson Tide traveling to Texas and facing off against the top-ranked ranked Houston Cougars. An impressive second half will send Oats home with a top win, 71-65.

Houston is not the first No. 1 team to fall to Alabama this season. North Carolina dropped a four-overtime game to the Crimson Tide in Portland during PK85. While they might have already drastically dropped in the AP poll the next day, it’s still a historic feat for Oats’ squad.

“Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Alabama becomes only the second team ever to have two wins over the No. 1-ranked team before the new year,” Jeff Borzello of ESPN said via Twitter. “The first was 1965-66 Duke.”

Duke had two consecutive games against No. 1 UCLA back in Dec. 1965, coming on two straight days. One was in Durham, while the other took place in Charlotte. A Vic Bubas-led team wound up finishing in third place when the NCAA Tournament came rolling around.

Alabama had their games spaced out over the course of 13 days, with the North Carolina win coming on Nov. 27. Oats continues to get important wins in Tuscaloosa as the program takes positive steps toward becoming a consistent contender.

“Huge program win,” Oats said after the game. “Not sure how many teams get the chance to play two No. 1 teams in non-conference play, let alone beat them.”

As for the actual game itself, Alabama looked dead in the water early in the second half. Houston came out of the break on fire and was able to build a double-digit lead. Oats was able to adjust with a smaller lineup and at times, played four freshmen on the court.

Noah Clowney won Alabama’s sought-after hard hat award, having his first career double-double. He finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, coming alive in crucial moments for the Crimson Tide. Fellow freshman Jaden Bradley (12 points, five rebounds, and four assists) was key as well, while Texas Tech transfer Nimari Burnett locked down on the defensive end.

Even with two wins against No. 1 ranked teams, the road does not get easier for Alabama. Memphis will come to Coleman Colesium on Saturday before facing Gonzaga in Birmingham a week from Saturday.

The Tide will look to continue to roll heading into SEC play with some more big-time matchups remaining on the schedule.