Alabama Crimson Tide needs a Sweet 16 unlike almost all the others

Mar. 1991 - Charlotte, NC - Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

The 1991 Sweet 16 game equaled Alabama's worst loss ever in the Big Dance; 23 points. Some of today's college basketball fans don't remember '40 Minutes of Hell.' The description fit for Nolan Richardson's Arkansas teams. Intense defensive pressure with more fouls committed than officials could call gave the Razorbacks an intimidating edge.

The game was close at halftime, with 1-Seed Arkansas only up by three. The second half was completely different for 4-Seed Alabama. Aided by Alabama's 26 turnovers, the Razorbacks took 23 more shots in the game than the Crimson Tide. The final score was a 93-70 Alabama loss.

Mar. 2004 - Seattle, WA - Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Syracuse Orange

Alabama was the West Region 8-Seed and in the Second Round had already knocked off 1-Seed Stanford. Alabama had the 5-Seed, defending National Champion, Syracuse in the Sweet 16.

Syracuse was known for precision zone defense. It was ineffective against Alabama in the first half with Ernest Shelton and Kennedy Winston bombing away for the Crimson Tide. Even with hot first-half shooting, Alabama led just 38-36 at halftime. The Tide's long-range shooters cooled in the second half but Chuck Davis took over inside leading Alabama to a 80-71 win.

Nate Oats Era Alabama Sweet Sixteens

Nate Oats has led Alabama to three Sweet Sixteens. The first two came in 2021 and 2023. The Tide's 2021 team beat Iona and Maryland, before falling to UCLA in overtime, 88-78. As a 2021, 2-Seed, Alabama's loss to the Bruins was disappointing, but UCLA advanced to the National Championship Game, losing to Gonzaga in overtime.

Last season Alabama came up short in another Sweet 16. As a 1-Seed, the Crimson Tide lost to San Diego State 71-64. As in the 2021 season with UCLA, the Aztecs advanced to the National Championship Game.

Will Sweet 16, No. 10 boost Alabama to its second-ever Elite Eight? Taking down North Carolina is a tall order, but the Crimson Tide is capable of pulling off the upset.