CLEVELAND — The Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team quickly moved on from their historic first Final Four milestone as soon as they received their commemorative rings back in October. Recognizing the necessity for growth, Coach Nate Oats made strategic adjustments by deepening the roster, enhancing athleticism, and securing a better balance, all with their sights on surpassing previous achievements this season.
Now, only two games into the NCAA Tournament, Alabama’s formidable presence is unmistakable. Chris Youngblood took charge with 13 points, leading six players who scored in double figures. This collective effort powered second-seeded Alabama past seventh-seeded Saint Mary’s with an 80-66 victory, earning them a spot in the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year.
The Crimson Tide, holding a 27-8 record, are set to face sixth-seeded BYU in the East Region semifinals on Thursday in Newark, New Jersey. Renowned as the highest-scoring team in the nation, they pose a significant threat to return to college basketball’s grandest stage.
“It’s tough to guard us when you’ve got six guys capable of getting double digits,” commented Coach Oats. Indeed, Alabama’s depth is challenging for opponents, even on nights when All-American guard Mark Sears encounters foul trouble. Sears ended the game with 12 points, having shot 5-of-15 from the field.
Last year, such setbacks might have disrupted Alabama’s game, but currently, they are unfazed. They commanded a 13-point lead by halftime despite Sears’ intervals on the bench, and never allowed the Gaels (29-6) to close the gap significantly. Each time Saint Mary’s attempted a comeback, Alabama countered with dynamic plays, including a notable reverse jam by Clifford Omoruyi that expanded their lead.
Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson expressed the team’s determination: “I feel like we’ve been slept on. There’s a lot of people saying things about us like we’re going to lose this game. So we knew we had to come out and bring energy.” Alabama’s extensive roster allows them to maintain relentless pressure, with nine players logging at least 11 minutes, becoming the first team in over two years to score 80 points against Saint Mary’s.
Mitchell Saxen scored 15 points and Jordan Wessels added 11 for Saint Mary’s. Despite their efforts, the Gaels struggled offensively, hitting only 25% of their shots in the first half. They attempted to control the game by focusing inside, but couldn’t convert consistently. “If we had made our shots, made our layups, it would have been a close game at halftime and then who knows,” remarked Coach Randy Bennett.
With the need to accelerate against Alabama, the nation’s highest-scoring team, Saint Mary’s engaged in a back-and-forth exchange with a squad accustomed to postseason success. Augustas Marciulionis, the two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year, managed just 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting, while the Gaels missed 11 of their 14 three-point attempts. Their journey to achieving another Sweet 16 appearance will be postponed for at least another year.
Saint Mary’s finds itself on par with traditional WCC powerhouse Gonzaga in the regular season. However, they continue to pursue a breakthrough similar to the Zags’ noted March success, a quest that will face further challenges with the departure of three senior starters.
In contrast, Alabama continues its relentless offensive onslaught. Although Mark Sears didn’t reach his usual output, backcourt teammates Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway filled the gap seamlessly, contributing a combined 18 points and eight assists.
The Crimson Tide now sets their sights on another Final Four run, armed with depth and speed that pose significant challenges for future opponents like the fast-paced BYU Cougars.