Alabama Basketball Set to Face Texas Tech in March Madness Round of 64 Alabama basketball secured its place in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament after defeating No. 13 seed Hofstra 90-70 on Friday, March 20. The No. 4 seed Crimson Tide advanced to face No. 5 seed Texas Tech, which had previously eliminated Akron 91-71 in the round of 64. The matchup between Alabama and Texas Tech is set for Sunday, March 22, with the game scheduled to begin at approximately 8:45 p.m. CT. The contest will be broadcast on TBS, with viewers able to stream the game via Sling. Fans can tune in to catch the action as Alabama looks to continue its tournament run. The Crimson Tide’s 2025-26 season has included a mix of victories and challenges. Key highlights include a 91-62 win over North Dakota on November 3, a 103-96 victory at St. John’s in Madison Square Garden on November 8, and a 90-86 triumph at Illinois on November 19. The team also participated in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas from November 24-27, where they faced Gonzaga, UNLV, and Maryland, securing wins against the latter two. Alabama’s schedule continued with strong performances in December, including a 90-84 win over Clemson in the SEC/ACC Challenge, a 97-55 victory against UTSA, and a 104-93 win over USF. The team’s success extended into January, with wins over Kentucky, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Mississippi State, though they faced setbacks against Florida and Texas. In February, Alabama maintained its momentum with wins over Texas, Missouri, and Ole Miss, though they lost to Florida. The team’s March schedule included a 96-84 victory over Auburn and a 90-70 win against Hofstra, securing their spot in the second round.#ncaa_tournament #tbs #alabama_basketball #texas_tech #players_era_festival
Labaron Philon's All-American Recognition Marks Another Milestone for Nate Oats at Alabama Nate Oats continues to redefine success for Alabama basketball, with Labaron Philon’s recent selection to the AP All-American third team adding another layer to his legacy. The Crimson Tide’s head coach, who led the program to its first Final Four appearance in 2022, has now overseen a historic era of individual and team achievement. Philon’s nod underscores Oats’ ability to cultivate talent and elevate Alabama’s national profile. Philon’s All-American season followed a breakout freshman campaign that initially led him to declare for the NBA Draft. His last-minute decision to return for his sophomore year paid dividends, as he nearly doubled his scoring average and became a key contributor to Alabama’s NCAA Tournament run. The 6-foot-10 forward, projected as a late first- or early second-round pick in 2025, is now considered a potential lottery candidate for the 2026 draft. Oats’ impact on Alabama basketball is undeniable. Before his arrival in 2017, the program had only seven AP All-Americans in its history. Under his leadership, the Crimson Tide have produced five additional selections, including two first-teamers—Brandon Miller (2022) and Mark Sears (2023)—and now Philon. This marks the fifth consecutive season Alabama has had an All-American, a feat that highlights the program’s sustained excellence. The 4-seed Alabama received in this year’s NCAA Tournament is another testament to Oats’ success. Prior to his tenure, the Crimson Tide had earned a 4-seed or better just four times in program history. Oats has now achieved that milestone five times, including four straight seasons. His ability to consistently build competitive teams has positioned Alabama as a perennial powerhouse in the SEC.#labaron_philon #nate_oats #alabama_basketball #ap_all_american #cotton_bowl
