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.
Roll Tide, folks
