Bol Bowen shines in NCAA first-round win Alabama forward Taylor Bol Bowen delivered a standout performance in the Crimson Tide’s 90-70 victory over 13-seed Hofstra in the NCAA tournament first round on Friday. The game, played at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, marked Bowen’s second-highest scoring output of the season. He finished with 15 points, shooting 6 of 9 from the field and 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, while adding three blocked shots. Bowen’s performance was his best since the team’s 103-96 win over St. John’s in November, when he scored 17 points on 6 of 7 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds. It also marked his first double-digit scoring game since the Crimson Tide’s 100-75 win over Mississippi State on February 25. Despite dealing with injuries during conference play—including a right leg injury and a hand injury—Bowen has shown resilience in recent weeks. Head coach Nate Oats praised Bowen’s effort, calling him “super proud” of the player’s perseverance. Oats noted that Bowen faced challenges throughout the season, including moments of frustration due to his injuries. However, the coach emphasized that Bowen has been focused and determined in the past month. “He’s locked in for the last month,” Oats said. Bowen was a key contributor to Alabama’s non-conference success, averaging 9.3 points per game and recording six double-digit scoring performances. His recent resurgence has positioned him as a vital part of the team’s rotation as the season progresses. Oats also highlighted Bowen’s mindset, stating, “I think he’s worried about playing hard, the right stuff.” The Crimson Tide will continue their NCAA tournament run on Sunday when they face 5-seed Texas Tech Red Raiders. The game is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. CT and will be televised on TBS.#ncaa_tournament #benchmark_international_arena #nate_oats #tampa #bol_bowen
Alabama's NCAA Tournament Hopes Rest on Taylor Bol Bowen's Return Alabama’s NCAA Tournament journey began with a strong showing against Hofstra, but the Crimson Tide’s path to a deep run in March Madness hinges on the return of a key player sidelined by injury. Labaron Philon dominated the game with 29 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in a 90-70 victory, but the team needed more than just Philon’s elite performance. The breakthrough came from a player described as the team’s X-Factor earlier in the season—Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen. Bowen, who has battled multiple injuries throughout his junior season, appeared healthy for the first time in months during the game. Playing 21 minutes off the bench, he contributed 16 points, two rebounds, and three blocked shots while excelling defensively. His impact was especially notable on a night when Alabama struggled to make consistent three-pointers. Bowen’s ability to guard opponents and convert his shots from beyond the arc helped offset the team’s shooting woes, showcasing his value as a versatile defender and scorer. Coach Nate Oats praised Bowen’s performance, highlighting his resilience through a challenging season. “I’m super proud of Taylor,” Oats said. “He’s gone through a lot this year with all these injuries. At different points, he got frustrated. But man, he’s locked in for the last month.” Oats emphasized Bowen’s recent focus and intensity, noting that his defensive presence made a measurable difference. “We were 20 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor,” Oats added, underscoring the player’s critical role in the team’s success. Bowen’s performance against Hofstra echoed his impact during a pivotal non-conference win over St. John’s, where his contributions were instrumental in securing a road victory.#alabama #ncaa_tournament #hofstra #nate_oats #taylor_bol_bowen
Taylor Bol Bowen Healthy and Confident for Alabama in Postseason TAMPA, Fla.—Taylor Bol Bowen, a 6-10 forward for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has returned to full health and is showing confidence as the team heads into postseason play. After transferring from Florida State, Bowen faced significant challenges this season due to injuries, missing five games and struggling with consistency during SEC play. However, he has since regained his form, contributing key performances as Alabama advances in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Bowen’s return has been critical for Alabama, which has relied on his scoring and defensive presence. In a Round of 64 victory over Hofstra, he scored 15 points, demonstrating his ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively. Despite only grabbing two rebounds, he added three blocks, showcasing his versatility. Coach Nate Oats praised Bowen’s resurgence, noting that his presence elevates the team’s depth and competitiveness. “To get him to play that well makes us a totally different team,” Oats said. “When our front court has depth and they’re playing extremely well, we’re a different team.” Bowen’s journey to health has been arduous. He admitted to missing a substantial amount of practice and games due to multiple injuries, which hindered his ability to contribute consistently. “It made it really difficult, especially during SEC play,” he said. “I missed a ton of practice, a few games, and a handful of games I was going in and out dealing with multiple injuries.” However, he expressed relief at finally being healthy and ready to compete. “I’m just glad to be able to be healthy now, to be able to compete,” he said. The 2026 NCAA Tournament marks Bowen’s first opportunity to play in the event, as he was unable to participate during his two seasons at Florida State.#alabama_crimson_tide #ncaa_tournament #march_madness #nate_oats #taylor_bol_bowen
NCAA Tournament Game Thread: Alabama v Texas Tech The final contest of the opening weekend of the 2026 NCAA Tournament is set to take place as the fourth-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide face off against the fifth-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders. This matchup promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the first two rounds of the tournament, with both teams boasting high-powered offenses despite the absence of key players such as Alabama’s Aden Holloway and Texas Tech’s JT Toppin. For Alabama, the game represents a critical opportunity to extend its streak of consecutive appearances in the second weekend of the tournament. The Crimson Tide are aiming for their fourth straight trip to the second round under head coach Nate Oats, a feat that would mark the program’s fifth overall appearance in the tournament under his leadership in just seven seasons. Prior to Oats’ arrival, Alabama had only eight Sweet Sixteen appearances in its history. To achieve this milestone, the Tide will need to leverage their physical advantages and athletic depth against a Texas Tech squad that plans to rely heavily on its shooting accuracy throughout the game. The matchup highlights the competitive nature of the tournament, with both teams showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive in high-stakes environments. As the opening weekend concludes, the outcome of this game will set the stage for the next phase of the NCAA Tournament, underscoring the intensity and unpredictability that define the event.#alabama_crimson_tide #ncaa_tournament #nate_oats #texas_tech_red_raidors #sweet_sixteen
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
