Alabama vs Hofstra: First-Ever Matchup

0:00On March 16th, the 2026 NCAA tournament brackets are finally out. In the Midwest region, 4-seed Alabama squares off against 13-seed Hofstra in the opening round on Friday, March 20th at 2-15. PM Central time inside Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. Alabama wrapped up the regular season at 23 wins and 9 losses, going 13-5 in SEC play before grabbing a double buy in the conference tournament. They stumbled in the quarterfinals with a close 80-79 loss to 15-seed Ole Miss. Meanwhile, Hofstra finished 24-10 overall, dominating the CAA tournament with three straight wins to earn their spot. This is a big moment for both coaches. Nate Oates is taking Alabama to his sixth straight NCAA tournament, equing a run from the 1980s that the school has imaged since. Over at Hofstra, Speedy Clackston, a former pride player and assistant, leads them in their first dance since 2001, just the fifth trip in, program history.

1:05The Crimson Tide and Pride have never played each other before, making this a fresh match-up. Alabama's tournament resume includes deep runs by a final four in 2024 and an elite eight last year, but no national title yet. Kesta Action Live on True TV, with radio coverage on the Crimson Tide Sports Network, Alabama eyes that first championship as the madness kicks off.