Alabama makes history vs. Kentucky with fourth straight win, 89-74

—

January 4, 2026

Saturday marked the start of SEC play, and it began great for Alabama — but not so good for perennial power Kentucky.

The Wildcats jumped off to a 5-0 lead. Alabama fans were reminded of Indiana jumping out to an early 17-0 lead over Bama in the Rose Bowl. The Hoosiers held and extended that lead on New Year’s Day.

Kentucky could not hold their early lead Saturday, and Alabama’s offense quickly went on a 9-0 run, taking a 9-5 lead.

In bits and spurts, Alabama went out front by 21 points. Kentucky eased closer for a while, but then Alabama established dominance and wound up ahead 50-34 at halftime and winning the game 89-74.

It was a historic win for the Tide – the first time in program history that Alabama has beaten Kentucky four times in a row.

Kentucky’s last win over Alabama came in February 2024.

No. 14 Alabama is now 11-3 on the season and 1-0 in the SEC.

Next, Tide Hoops faces #11 Vanderbilt in Nashville on Wednesday, January 7 at 7 p.m. CST. Vandy won at South Carolina 83-71 Saturday in their first SEC outing.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.

Recent in Sports

Auburn fan’s shirt hurled at Nate Oats becomes signed NIL gold for Alabama

Michael Brauner — 3 weeks ago

If Alabama knows anything, it’s how to get the last laugh. The Crimson Tide won a thrilling game over the weekend on the road against the Auburn Tigers to pull ahead in the SEC standings and earn a huge victory over their rival — the second year in a row at Neville Arena. As is always […]

NCAA ‘not in a position’ to further punish Alabama following Bediako ruling

Michael Brauner — 3 weeks ago

The Crimson Tide men’s basketball program got a disappointing piece of news Monday afternoon, but it’s looking like the NCAA is choosing not to rub salt in the wound. Center and former G-League pro Charles Bediako was denied his bid for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA to keep playing the rest of the season. […]