It’s freezing everywhere around the SEC footprint, but the action on the hardwood is heating up with seven games in the midweek slate.
Bediako and Bama becoming America’s villain
For the second consecutive game Charles Bediako, a former G-League player who left Alabama two years ago to go pro, played for the Tide. That’s because he got an extension on his temporary restraining order against the NCAA. To the surprise of no one, the former professional played really well against non-professionals scoring 14 points and bringing down six rebounds.
Alabama smoked Missouri, 90-64. What’s next for Bediako? Assuming he doesn’t continue his Benjamin Button journey and try to play high school basketball, Alabama has a huge game against Florida this Sunday.
In the meantime, the NCAA has asked the judge overseeing the case to step down because he is an Alabama booster. That is salacious and ridiculous, but it’s also pretty understandable since restraining orders have to be filed in the county of the plaintiff. Shockingly, a higher up in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama is closely associated with Alabama.
How it feels watching Charles Bediako play for Alabama. pic.twitter.com/X0gWZobiUk
— Greg Peterson (@GUnit_81) January 28, 2026
Vanderbilt brings Kentucky back down to earth
It was an embarrassing night in Nashville. That’s a pretty common sentiment for most people that have ever had one too many off Broadway.
The Wildcats had won five straight before Tuesday when they faced the No. 18 Commodores. It was a mauling from the start. Vanderbilt jumped out to a huge lead and never looked back, winning 80-55. Sadly, the score wasn’t the most embarrassing part of the night.
This was.
This play sums up Kentucky’s night. pic.twitter.com/NnMd5vacOJ
— Adam Stratton (@AdamStrattonKSR) January 28, 2026
Can Auburn get going
Auburn is coming off their first win at Florida in 30 years. They get an enigmatic Texas team at home on Wednesday. The win over the Gators was massive for Steven Pearl in his first year as Auburn’s head coach. The Tigers are 13-7 but five of those seven losses were to ranked teams and four were to top seven teams. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for Auburn with Tennessee, Alabama, Vanderbilt and Arkansas up next after Texas. A win on Wednesday would be huge.
Steven Pearl is currently 4-3 vs Final Four coaches. pic.twitter.com/f5eKGfctuL
— The Barn (@TheBarn_Auburn) January 24, 2026
