Alabama Advances to the Sweet 16 with Win Against Saint Mary’s
The Alabama Crimson Tide is one step closer to achieving their ultimate goal of a national championship, as they advanced to the Sweet 16 with a thrilling victory against Saint Mary’s in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The game, held at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina, was a spectacle of college basketball at its finest, filled with intensity, high-level play, and drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
This victory marks Alabama’s continued dominance under the leadership of head coach Nate Oats, who has turned the program into a powerhouse in recent years. The team’s ability to rise to the occasion in such a high-pressure game speaks volumes about their maturity, resilience, and readiness for the challenges that lie ahead as they aim for their first national title since 1992.
A Look at the Game
The matchup between Alabama and Saint Mary’s was one that had all the makings of a classic. Saint Mary’s, known for their disciplined play and strong defensive scheme, presented a unique challenge for Alabama. However, the Crimson Tide were well-prepared, executing their game plan to near perfection. Alabama’s defense was suffocating, while their offense was fast-paced, highlighting their athleticism and shooting prowess.
The game started with both teams testing each other’s defenses. Saint Mary’s came out with a well-balanced offensive attack, moving the ball effectively and working to get open looks. However, Alabama’s defense quickly made its presence felt, with the Tide’s length and athleticism causing major problems for the Gaels. Jaden Ivey, Alabama’s standout guard, took charge early, creating opportunities both for himself and his teammates.
Ivey, who had been the centerpiece of Alabama’s offense all season, was instrumental in establishing the Crimson Tide’s rhythm. His ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact kept the Saint Mary’s defense on its heels. Additionally, Ivey’s outside shooting, which has been a consistent asset this season, allowed Alabama to spread the floor and open up lanes for their high-flying offense.
On the defensive side, Alabama was relentless. The Tide’s full-court pressure defense disrupted Saint Mary’s ball movement, forcing turnovers and leading to easy transition points. Alabama’s commitment to stopping Saint Mary’s’ perimeter shooting also made a difference, as they held the Gaels to a subpar shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
Despite Saint Mary’s’ best efforts, they struggled to keep pace with Alabama’s intensity. The Gaels had moments of brilliance, particularly from their star guard, Logan Johnson, who hit several key shots and provided a spark for his team when it looked like Alabama might pull away. However, Alabama’s depth and superior athleticism ultimately proved to be too much.
In the second half, the Crimson Tide pulled away thanks to a decisive run midway through the period. With a balanced offensive attack, including contributions from forwards Charles Bediako and Noah Clowney, Alabama’s lead grew steadily. The Tide’s defense was particularly stifling during this stretch, as they forced multiple turnovers and converted them into easy fast-break points.
With the game nearing its conclusion, Alabama’s lead seemed insurmountable. Saint Mary’s, though resilient, was unable to mount a serious comeback. Alabama’s offense continued to shine, and the defensive pressure never relented, leaving Saint Mary’s little opportunity to close the gap.
The final score, 79-62, reflected Alabama’s control of the game from start to finish. The Crimson Tide’s dominance was evident in every aspect of the contest, from their offensive execution to their defensive tenacity.
Key Players and Performances
Jaden Ivey was undoubtedly the star of the game for Alabama. He finished with 24 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, showcasing his all-around game and leadership on the floor. His ability to score in multiple ways — whether it was driving to the rim or hitting clutch three-pointers — made him a nightmare for Saint Mary’s defenders.
Another standout for Alabama was Charles Bediako, the 6’10” sophomore forward, who made his presence felt both on the offensive and defensive ends. Bediako scored 14 points and pulled down 9 rebounds, providing Alabama with the necessary interior presence to complement their perimeter play. His shot-blocking ability was also crucial, as he altered several shots and deterred Saint Mary’s from attacking the rim.
Noah Clowney, another key player for Alabama, had a double-double performance with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Clowney’s versatility allowed Alabama to be effective in both the half-court and transition offense. His rebounding was crucial, as it limited Saint Mary’s second-chance opportunities and gave Alabama extra possessions to build on their lead.
For Saint Mary’s, Logan Johnson was the standout player. The senior guard, who had been one of the team’s leaders all season, scored 20 points and dished out 5 assists. Johnson’s scoring ability kept Saint Mary’s in the game at various points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the superior talent and depth of Alabama.
Saint Mary’s also had contributions from forward Mitchell Saxen, who recorded 8 points and 7 rebounds. Saxen’s physicality in the paint was important, but his efforts weren’t enough to slow down Alabama’s relentless pace and size.
The Road Ahead: What This Win Means for Alabama
With the victory, Alabama advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face a much tougher test in their pursuit of the national championship. The Crimson Tide have shown throughout the season that they are one of the most well-rounded teams in the country, with elite offensive and defensive capabilities.
Nate Oats, the head coach of Alabama, has built a program that is not only competitive in the SEC but has become a legitimate national title contender. Oats’ system, which emphasizes speed, spacing, and defensive pressure, has translated into success at the highest level. His ability to develop players like Jaden Ivey and Charles Bediako has turned Alabama into a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
For Alabama, the Sweet 16 is a significant milestone, but it is far from their ultimate goal. The team has their sights set on advancing further, with the national championship still in their grasp. The Crimson Tide will need to stay focused and continue executing at a high level to overcome the challenges that await them in the tournament.
One of the key factors for Alabama moving forward is their depth. Unlike many teams that rely heavily on one or two players, Alabama boasts a well-rounded roster that can contribute at all positions. Whether it’s Ivey leading the charge, Bediako and Clowney dominating the paint, or role players stepping up in big moments, the Crimson Tide’s balance is a major advantage.
Additionally, Alabama’s defense will continue to be a defining factor. Throughout the season, the Crimson Tide have been known for their tenacious full-court pressure and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. In the tournament, where every possession matters, this defensive mindset will be crucial in keeping opponents off balance and forcing turnovers that lead to easy baskets.
Saint Mary’s: A Strong Tournament Run
While Alabama celebrates their advancement to the Sweet 16, Saint Mary’s deserves recognition for their strong performance in the tournament. The Gaels, who were a mid-major powerhouse this season, played hard throughout the game and gave Alabama a run for their money. Although they came up short, Saint Mary’s’ tournament run showcased their grit and determination.
Saint Mary’s has long been known for their methodical style of play and tough defense, and this year’s team was no different. While they may not have been able to match Alabama’s athleticism, they played with heart and provided a strong challenge for one of the top teams in the nation.
For the Gaels, this loss marks the end of a remarkable season that saw them win the West Coast Conference regular season title and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. While their time in the tournament was cut short, Saint Mary’s can hold their heads high, knowing they competed with one of the best teams in the country.
Alabama’s 79-62 win over Saint Mary’s was a statement performance, reinforcing the Crimson Tide’s status as one of the premier teams in the country. With a balanced attack on both sides of the ball and contributions from multiple players, Alabama demonstrated why they are one of the favorites to win the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The victory sends them to the Sweet 16, where they will continue their pursuit of the ultimate prize: a national championship.
As Alabama moves forward in the tournament, they will face even tougher competition, but their combination of talent, depth, and defensive prowess will make them a formidable opponent for anyone standing in their way. For now, though, the Crimson Tide can savor this moment and look ahead to the next challenge in what has already been an exciting March Madness journey.