Alabama vs. Texas: A look at basketball history between Crimson Tide and Longhorns

Alabama vs. Texas: A Look at Basketball History Between the Crimson Tide and Longhorns

Introduction

The basketball rivalry between the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the University of Texas Longhorns, while not as well-documented as their football matchups, has still produced some exciting and competitive encounters. Although they have faced each other infrequently, each game has contributed to a growing history between the two programs. Texas leads the all-time series with a 9-4 record against Alabama, but the Crimson Tide have had their moments of success as well. With Texas now in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), this rivalry could soon see more frequent encounters.

Early Matchups (1947-1954)

The first meeting between Alabama and Texas took place on December 30, 1947, with the Longhorns securing a 40-31 victory. Texas followed up with another win on December 29, 1948, defeating Alabama 60-39. These early games set the stage for a competitive yet intermittent series.

Alabama earned its first victory against Texas on December 29, 1950, with a 54-41 win. However, one of the most significant games in this early period came on December 17, 1954, when Alabama dominated Texas with an 89-54 victory—the largest margin of victory in the series.

Competitive Games of the 1960s and 1970s

As the rivalry continued through the mid-20th century, the two teams remained fairly competitive. On December 22, 1960, Texas edged Alabama in a thrilling 79-78 win. Alabama responded in later meetings, winning 88-62 on December 4, 1968, and 90-78 on December 5, 1970. However, Texas maintained control of the series overall during this period, consistently winning close games.

Long Hiatus and Modern Matchups (2016-2017)

Following the 1970s, Alabama and Texas did not face each other for several decades. However, the rivalry was renewed in the 2016-2017 seasons, when the two programs met again.

• December 2, 2016: Texas hosted Alabama in a hard-fought game, winning 77-68. Texas guard Andrew Jones scored 17 points, leading the Longhorns to victory. Alabama’s Braxton Key had a strong performance, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Texas’s fast-paced attack.
• December 22, 2017: Alabama hosted Texas in a rematch, but the Longhorns once again came out on top, securing a 66-50 win. This marked Texas’s ninth victory in the series, solidifying their dominance over Alabama in recent years.

Series Analysis and Notable Players

Texas has largely controlled the series with a 9-4 record, consistently winning both home and away games. However, Alabama has had its moments, particularly with their dominant 1954 win and their strong performances in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Several notable players have participated in these matchups, with Texas producing NBA talents such as Andrew Jones and Alabama showcasing stars like Braxton Key. The contrast in playing styles has often defined these games—Texas tends to favor a high-tempo offense, while Alabama has historically emphasized defensive play and half-court execution.

Coaching Strategies and Playing Styles

Over the years, the coaching styles of both teams have significantly influenced the outcomes of their games. During the 2016-2017 matchups, Texas head coach Shaka Smart implemented his signature high-pressure defensive system, which disrupted Alabama’s offensive rhythm. Meanwhile, Alabama, coached by Avery Johnson at the time, focused on structured plays and defensive discipline. This clash of styles made for intriguing contests, though Texas ultimately prevailed in both recent encounters.

Future of the Rivalry

With Texas now a member of the SEC, the potential for more frequent matchups against Alabama has increased. The two teams could soon meet regularly in conference play, reigniting their sporadic rivalry into a more consistent one. Both programs have been rising in prominence, with strong recruiting classes and increasing success in national tournaments.

As Alabama continues to establish itself as a top program under head coach Nate Oats, and Texas builds a formidable team with its recent coaching hires and recruiting efforts, future games between the Crimson Tide and Longhorns could become must-watch matchups in college basketball.

Although the basketball rivalry between Alabama and Texas has not been as high-profile as their football encounters, it remains a competitive and intriguing series. Texas holds a historical advantage, but Alabama has had key moments of success. As conference realignment brings these teams together more frequently, the rivalry could soon develop into a major SEC showdown. Whether through historic victories or future clashes, the Alabama-Texas basketball series is one that continues to evolve and gain significance in college basketball.