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The Alabama basketball venue security team took a few extra steps in court storming prevention ahead of a Top 15 matchup with SEC rival Tennessee. With the issue top of mind in college basketball world, staff was asked to brush up on its attack plan in the event the Tide pulled off a big win.
The Vols entered Coleman Coliseum ranked No. 4 in the nation, giving the perfect opportunity for a potential on-court celebration. Unfortunately, there’d be little to worry about on Saturday night.
The debate surrounding court storming has run wild over the last few weeks following an incident involving Duke’s Kyle Filipowsi after a loss to Wake Forest.
Demon Deacon students flooded the floor in celebration, with one making contact with the Blue Devils star.
Filipowski was reportedly injured in the dustup, though he wouldn’t miss any game action. It was similar to an earlier event that saw women’s star Caitlin Clark thrown to the ground following a collision with a court-storming Ohio State fan.
College basketball media has been split on the top, with some taking harsher stances than others.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats was asked his thoughts on the topic last week, to which he responded, “We don’t storm the court here. We expect to win big games.”
That wouldn’t stop Crimson Tide security from prepping for the situation, which they were filmed doing ahead of that Tennessee showdown.
Court-storming prevention. One way to do it
This is from Alabama today, according to @SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/ekjuNeyR0E
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) March 3, 2024
The prevention training wouldn’t be put to use on Saturday.
Alabama lost to Tennessee on its home floor.
Despite being favored, and boasting the opportunity to take control of first place in the SEC regular season title race, the Tide would fall to the Vols. Tennessee came into Coleman Coliseum with a vengeance, using a massive second half to overcome an early deficit.
UT took a 63-62 lead with just over six minutes left in the action, and they wouldn’t trail again.
found a way! pic.twitter.com/PR7mBVjWYW
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 3, 2024
Security members were able to sit on their hands while the home crowd of nearly 13,500 people sat in silence. No court storming here!
Many on social media took the opportunity to troll.
“They paid them overtime to come in early just to lose. Money well spent!”
“Crisis averted.”
“The best prevention method is losing.”
With the win, the Vols took sole possession of first place in the SEC standings with two games to go. Tennessee is now 13-3 in league play while Alabama fell to 12-4.