19 min 34 sec: Alabama Basketball Advances to Sweet 16 in Victory Over Texas Tech

How did Alabama basketball secure a spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament? The team achieved this by defeating Texas Tech 90-65 on March 22, 2026, in Tampa.

Alabama’s victory was marked by a strong performance from Latrell Wrightsell Jr., who scored 24 points, while Houston Mallett contributed 15 points, all from three-point range. Labaron Philon also had a notable game, recording 9 points, 12 assists, and 6 rebounds.

The game started at 8:45 p.m. CT and saw Alabama lead by as much as 29 points. Texas Tech struggled offensively, going without a field goal for nearly two-and-a-half minutes during the match.

This win marks Alabama’s fourth consecutive appearance in the Sweet 16, a significant achievement for the program. Historically, Alabama has faced Texas Tech eight times, winning seven of those matchups, with Texas Tech’s only victory occurring in December 1963.

Coach Nate Oats emphasized the importance of strong starts, stating, “We need him to come out of the gate, he kind of waited until the second half this last game.” He also praised the shooting skills of Christian Anderson, noting his elite shooting ability.

With this victory, Alabama will now face Michigan in the Sweet 16 on March 27, 2026, in Chicago. The matchup promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a place in the next round of the tournament.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential impact from recent events, such as Aden Holloway’s arrest for possession of marijuana on March 16, 2026, which may affect team dynamics.