The Alabama Crimson Tide come head into the Sweet 16 with plenty of high hopes but with some question marks looming after their first two games in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Alabama, the No. 2 seed in the East Region bracket, overcame a scare against No. 15 seed Robert Morris in the first round in Cleveland for a too-close-for-comfort 90-81 victory on Friday before a much-improved performance against a dangerous Saint Mary’s Gaels team.
The Crimson Tide (27-8) defeated the Gaels, 80-66, with Nate Oats’ team showing off its depth as six players finished in double figures, led by Chris Youngblood’s 13 points. With the win, Alabama advanced to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive season and for the fourth time in the past five years.
On Tuesday, USA TODAY Sports reseeded each Sweet 16 team based on their performances in the first two rounds of March Madness. Alabama was No. 10 in college basketball analyst Eddie Timanus’ rankings. The Crimson Tide ranked one spot below Texas Tech and four spots below the Kentucky Wildcats (who Alabama beat three times this year). Alabama’s Sweet 16 opponent, the BYU Cougars, ranked No. 12.
Timanus said of Alabama’s low ranking:
“A No. 2 seed that reach the Final Four a year ago should probably be higher on the list. But this year’s version of the Crimson Tide is more prone to defensive lapses, a trait that could send them packing as early as their next contest against a high-scoring Brigham Young team. They found a way in the regional rounds…
