Nate Oats said he enjoyed his ‘chess match’ against Mark Pope in their first head-to-head battle at Rupp Arena back in January, two of the best offensive minds in college basketball leading their programs to a combined 199 points in the 102-97 win for Alabama.

Nate Oats turned to his Alabama bench quicker than expected and explained why after beating Kentucky on Saturday.

Alabama basketball is in a far better position with Nate Oats as head coach. Oats now owns Crimson Tide history.

Before Alabama basketball traveled to Kentucky in January, Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats had a message for his group. “By any means necessary,” Oats recalled telling the team.

Even after shooting 5 for 12 from beyond the arc in Alabama basketball's win over Kentucky, Oats wants to get more 3-point attempts for the sophomore guard.