On Sunday night, Nate Oats and Alabama basketball can make program history.
A win over Texas Tech would propel the Crimson Tide into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight season. That would be a program record.
It's been an up-and-down season for Alabama. The Crimson Tide has proven they can play - and beat - just about anyone. But they've also had bouts of inconsistent play that have kept them from ever reaching the heights Oats thought they could.
Playing without Aden Holloway for a second straight game, it'll take a massive effort on both ends of the floor for Alabama to take down a Texas Tech team that is tough, battle-tested, and ruthlessly efficient on the offensive end of the court.
If oddsmakers are right, this game will be hotly contested throughout and come down to the wire.
Final betting odds for 4-seed Alabama vs. 5-seed Texas Tech in the Round of 32
- Spread: Alabama -1.5
- Moneyline: Alabama -110; Texas Tech -110
- Point total (over/under): 165.5
Odds are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are liable to change at anytime.
Vegas has this game as effectively a coin flip, just like analytical sites like Bart Torvik and KenPom.
Bart Torvik favors the Red Raiders by 1.5 points. KenPom favors the Crimson Tide by a single point.
Buckle up.
Final Prediction for Alabama vs. Texas Tech in March Madness
Texas Tech's ability to shoot the ball and control the tempo is worrisome. It'll be a tremendous challenge for Alabama's shaky defense. Oats is clearly worried about his guard's ability to stay in front of theirs. That will go a long way in deciding the game.
Alabama's defensive performance against Hofstra was strong, but the offense was good, not great. It might take great to get past Texas Tech.
Labaron Philon was terrific, but Alabama will need more from Latrell Wrightsell and Amari Allen. Someone other than Taylor Bol Bowen will need to step up off the bench and hit some shots. A mediocre shooting night won't get it done.
In the end, we'll side with the good guys. But this is a genuine toss-up.