Alabama HC Nate Oats Apologizes for Pushing Missouri's Aidan Shaw in Win

Alabama head coach Nate Oats has apologized for pushing Missouri's Aidan Shaw late in the first half of Tuesday's game.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Oats said he apologized to both Shaw and Tigers head coach Dennis Gates for the situation.

"I have all the respect in the world for the job [Gates has] done as an assistant and head coach," he said. "No disrespect to him or his program. I apologized to both Coach Gates and Aidan Shaw. Aidan seems like a great kid. It's an unfortunate situation, but I apologized to both of them."

The situation occurred with 7:34 remaining in the first half when Shaw and Aaron Estrada got into a skirmish after Estrada fouled Anthony Robinson II. Oats got between the two players and pushed Shaw back.

Gates confirmed that Oats apologized after the game, but he questioned why the officials didn't issue a technical foul in the situation.

Once the situation calmed down, things remained cordial between the two teams on the court. Oats quickly went over to Gates after the final buzzer sounded to speak with him one-on-one.

Alabama won the game 93-75 to keep its SEC record perfect at 4-0. Since opening the season 6-5, including a three-game losing streak from Dec. 9-20, the Crimson Tide have rattled off six consecutive victories.

Missouri remains winless in SEC play (0-4) and has fallen under .500 for the first time this season.

Next up for Alabama is a showdown with No. 5 Tennessee at Thompson-Boling Arena on Saturday. Missouri will look for its first conference win when it hosts Florida on Saturday night.