Alabama Crimson Tide's Hot Shooting, Defense Advance

0:00On March 23rd, the 4th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, role-passed 5th ranked Texas Tech 90 to 65 in the round of 32 of the NCAA tournament. This win sends them to the sweet 16 despite missing their second leading score and their top score managing just single digits for only the second time this season. Alabama drain 19-3 pointers marking the 3rd most in tournament history. LaTrell Wright-Cell Jr. paced the tide with 24 points, including 6 from deep. Their defense shown brightly too, holding Texas Tech to 34% shooting from the floor, and a mere 16% from beyond the arc. While grabbing 12 more rebounds, players and coaches stressed the team's energy and focus on every possession, which overwhelmed the red raiders from the start. This effort felt like a throwback for head coach Nate Oates, reminding him of the defensive intensity that fueled their final four run two years back. That kind of gar play at the point of attack gives Alabama confidence they can hang with anyone.

1:01Now they face a tough test against top-seated Michigan, a team loaded with size that demands strong rebounding from Alabama's big men. The Crimson Tide head to Chicago later this week for the next round, where their hot shooting and stout defense will need to carry them even further.