How Sweet it is: Alabama destroys Texas Tech

Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Houston Mallette (95) celebrates after a play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Alabama rolled into the second round for a matchup with Texas Tech that was supposed to be very close according to the oddsmakers. It turned out to be anything but, as the Tide made easy work of what turned out to be a sorely overmatched opponent.

It was actually competitive out of the gate, as the two teams traded blows into the first media timeout with Alabama leading 10-7. The Tide had a few dumb turnovers to keep things close, but were winning on the glass and getting great looks at the basket when they managed to take care of the basketball. Whatever Nate said during the break was effective.

Labaron Philon immediately knocked down a three for a six point lead that started a Tide spurt, and a couple of minutes later Taylor Bol Bowen knocked one down from the corner for a 20-9 Alabama lead headed into the 12-minute break, on the back of a 13-2 run. Alabama’s defense was smothering the Red Raiders and they were dominating the glass like we’ve rarely seen this season. After play resumed, Latrell Wrightsell and Philon promptly knocked down back-to-back threes for a 16 point lead, which forced Tech coach Grant McCasland to call timeout barely a minute later.

Alabama got yet another stop and four offensive rebounds on the ensuing possession, but only one point as Amari Allen made one of two from the line. Things stood at 27-12 headed into the 8-minute media break. The good news was that Alabama was dominating the score and the boards, but it had to be a bit concerning that Tech was hanging around because of turnovers and 35% shooting from Alabama.