Alabama dug deep on Tuesday night to take down Mississippi State 97-82 with only eight scholarship players available.
Along with Collins Onyejiaka, Davion Hannah, and Latrell Wrightsell, Taylor Bol Bowen and Keitenn Bristow were held out of the game in Starkville. Bol Bowen was on Monday night's injury report as doubtful, and he was seen with a brace on his left wrist during last night's broadcast. Bristow wasn't on the injury report, but also didn't play.
After the game, Oats was asked about the availability going forward for both. He gave good news on one and less-than-good news on the other.
“Bristow’s got a left leg injury, I don’t know how long he’ll be out for,” Oats said. “Taylor’s got a left-hand injury; he’s getting further evaluation tomorrow. Hoping maybe he can get a pad and play Saturday. If not Saturday, they’re thinking hopefully for sure after the week off.”
Alabama could get Taylor Bol Bowen back on Saturday against Oklahoma
It sounds like Bristow is going to miss some time. The Tarleton State transfer has already missed seven of Alabama's 17 games this season as he has struggled with various injuries so far. He has been one of the Tide's most productive rebounders when he's able to play.
Oats said Bol Bowen lobbied to play, but the medical staff wouldn't let him. The Alabama head coach praised the Florida State transfer's recent toughness and leadership, and is hopeful that he - and Latrell Wrightsell - might be able to play in Norman against Oklahoma on Saturday.
They likely won't push either, however. If Alabama can navigate the road game against the Sooners short-handed, there's then a week between games. Alabama doesn't play a mid-week game next week. They will return to the floor the following Saturday at home against Tennessee.
That's probably the target date for Wrightsell, Bol Bowen, and maybe even Davion Hannah to return to the floor, though an extra player or two being available for Saturday would be helpful, as the injuries have piled up and taken away Alabama's depth.