The Alabama Crimson Tide continues to prove they belong among college basketball’s elite, punching their ticket to the Sweet 16 with an impressive 80-66 victory over Saint Mary’s. This marks Alabama’s third straight trip to the Sweet 16, solidifying their status as a powerhouse under Coach Nate Oats.
A Statement Win Over Saint Mary’s
From the opening tip, Alabama came out firing, using their fast-paced offense and relentless rebounding to control the game. Chris Youngblood led the scoring charge, stepping up in key moments to keep the Tide rolling. Mark Sears, despite early foul trouble, delivered a solid 12-point performance, showing why he’s one of the team’s most reliable playmakers.
Saint Mary’s fought hard to stay in it, but Alabama’s 55% shooting in the first half and dominance on the boards kept them at bay. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Tide had made a statement: they’re here to compete for a national title.
Sweet 16 Showdown: Alabama vs. BYU
Next up, Alabama faces BYU in the Sweet 16—a team that just pulled off a thrilling 91-89 victory over Wisconsin. The Cougars, led by junior forward Richie Saunders, have been one of the tournament’s surprise teams. But Alabama’s combination of speed, depth, and experience makes them a tough matchup for anyone.
“We’re not satisfied yet. We’re taking it one game at a time, but we believe in what we’re building,” said Coach Oats after the win.
Injury Watch: Will Grant Nelson Return?
One of the biggest question marks for Alabama heading into the next round is the health of star forward Grant Nelson. Nelson suffered an injury in the SEC Tournament semifinals against Florida, and his status remains uncertain. The 6’11” forward has been a key piece for the Tide, averaging 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
His return could be a game-changer for Alabama’s chances of making an even deeper tournament run.
Alabama Women’s Basketball Making Noise Too
It’s not just the men’s team making headlines—Alabama’s women’s basketball team is also making waves in the NCAA Tournament. They recently defeated Green Bay 81-67, thanks to a dominant 23-point performance from Aaliyah Nye. The women’s squad is proving that basketball in Tuscaloosa is thriving on all levels.
The Road Ahead
With momentum on their side, the Crimson Tide is locked in and ready for their next challenge. A win over BYU would put them in the Elite Eight, a step closer to their ultimate goal: a national championship.
Alabama fans have plenty to be excited about, and with Coach Oats leading the way, this team isn’t done making history just yet.