Alabama vs Louisville: NCAA Tournament Showdown

0:00On March 23rd, Alabama's women's basketball team faces Louisville in the second round of the NCAA tournament. The game tips off Monday, March 23rd, at 11 a.m. Central time and airs on ESPN. Both teams punch their tickets with solid first round wins. Alabama beat Rhode Island 68-55 on Saturday, March 21st. Louisville top Vermont 72-52 in their opener. Key contributors for Alabama included Jessica Timmons with 21 points, Essence Cody adding 19, and Diana Collins with 16. The Crimson Tide are chasing their first sweet 16 trips since 1998. They've talked a lot this season about shaking off a tough second round exit from last year, and this match up gives them a shot to Bill Momentum. Louisville brings a balanced attack with seven players averaging at least eight points, and they've dominated opponents by nearly 20 points per. Game on average, their defense clamps down on shooting, much like Rhode Island did before Alabama pulled away late.

1:01Expect a close battle, but Alabama could edge it out if they carry over that strong second half play. This regional showdown sets the stage for more March excitement ahead.