NCAA Tournament Game Thread: Alabama v Texas Tech
Alabama attempts to return the Sweet Sixteen for the fourth year in a row
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 20: Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Hofstra Pride held at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images The final game of the opening weekend of the 2026 NCAA Tournament is upon us, as the 4th-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide does battle with the 5th-seeded Red Raiders of Texas Tech. This should be an electrifying cap to the first two rounds of the tournament, as both of these teams are dynamic scoring squads – even without Aden Holloway and Tech’s JT Toppin.
For Alabama’s part, the Crimson Tide will be looking to make its fourth straight appearance in the second weekend and its fifth overall under Nate Oats, in just seven seasons for the living Tide Hoops legend. Alabama had eight total Sweet Sixteen appearances before Oats arrived in Tuscaloosa. In order for that to happen, the Tide will need to take advantage of its superior size and athleticism tonight against Tech, who will be looking to dial it up from downtown all game.
Round of 32 vs. Texas Tech. #RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.
twitter. com/xYu3og0PoT — Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) March 22, 2026 Tonight's fit. #RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.