Clemson didn't get the win over No. 12 Alabama in the ACC/SEC Challenge Wednesday, but the Tigers impressed Tide coach Nate Oats. Here's what he said.

The Clemson Tigers (7-2) mounted a valiant comeback effort, but fell short 90-84 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Wednesday night in the ACC-SEC Challenge against No. 12 Alabama. Brad Brownell was denied win No. 300 at Clemson, as the Tigers battled back in a true contender’s home arena.

Clemson almost beat Alabama to earn its first ranked win this season. Here's what doomed the Tigers and how Brad Brownell wants Clemson to be better.

The Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide meet Wednesday in the ACC/SEC Challenge at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The No. 12 Crimson Tide (6-2) is set to play against the Austin Claunch-led UTSA Roadrunners on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m. CT, SEC Network) at Coleman Coliseum, and head coach Nate Oats shared more insight about the statuses of Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Aden Holloway and Keitenn Bristow on Friday afternoon.

The 12th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (5-2) return home from the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas on Wednesday night to host the Clemson Tigers (7-1) in an ACC/SEC Challenge matchup at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.

Where: Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Ala. DIRECTV is an internet TV service that offers your favorite entertainment, news and sports channels, as well as local TV stations and regional sports networks. Sign up now and get three free months of premium channels including HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Starz.

Alabama won 90-84, but blew a massive lead in the process. At one point, Nate Oats’ team led by 19 points. The Crimson Tide got to the lead right out of the gate. By the under-eight timeout in the first half, Alabama led 35-19.