Alabama Rolls By Saint Mary’s 80-66 to Reach the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 for a 3rd Straight Year
In a game that showcased the relentless power and depth of Alabama’s basketball program, the Crimson Tide cruised past the Saint Mary’s Gaels with an 80-66 victory to secure a spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. This win marks the third consecutive year that Alabama has reached the coveted round of 16, solidifying their place among the elite programs in college basketball.
The victory against Saint Mary’s wasn’t just another march to the next round—it was an affirmation of Alabama’s strength, discipline, and championship aspirations. While Saint Mary’s came into the game with a reputation for being a tough, gritty team capable of pulling off upsets, they were ultimately overmatched by a Crimson Tide squad that played with confidence, sharp execution, and the kind of composure that is vital in the tournament’s high-pressure moments.
A Dominant Start for Alabama
From the opening tip, Alabama established control. The Crimson Tide, led by head coach Nate Oats, came out firing on all cylinders, pushing the tempo and making quick transitions from defense to offense. They displayed the speed and intensity that had made them a powerhouse in the SEC, turning turnovers into fast-break points and working the ball around for open shots.
Saint Mary’s, known for its methodical pace and emphasis on deliberate offense, struggled to keep up with Alabama’s speed and athleticism. While the Gaels are no slouches on defense, Alabama’s offensive game was simply too dynamic, with multiple players stepping up at different times to keep the pressure on Saint Mary’s. The Tide’s aggressive full-court defense, a staple of Oats’ philosophy, stifled the Gaels’ ability to move the ball around effectively, forcing several turnovers and limiting Saint Mary’s offensive options.
At the heart of Alabama’s success in the early going was their outside shooting. The Tide’s perimeter shooting was on point, with several key players knocking down three-pointers at crucial moments to extend the lead. It wasn’t just the volume of shots, but the timing that mattered. Every time Saint Mary’s looked like they might claw back into the game, Alabama answered with a big shot or a fast-break finish to keep the momentum firmly in their favor.
Key Performances from Alabama’s Stars
Jahvon Quinerly, the senior guard and leader of the Crimson Tide, was instrumental in guiding his team to the Sweet 16. Known for his poise under pressure, Quinerly stepped up when his team needed him most. Scoring 18 points and dishing out 7 assists, he was the engine that kept Alabama’s offense humming. Quinerly displayed his unique blend of scoring and playmaking ability, repeatedly breaking down Saint Mary’s defense with his quickness and court vision. He knocked down several key three-pointers and hit crucial free throws in the closing minutes to seal the victory.
Another standout performance came from sophomore forward Brandon Miller, who has been one of the most dynamic and versatile players in the country all season. Miller, who has drawn comparisons to some of the top NBA prospects, continued to show why he’s a future star, finishing with 22 points and 9 rebounds. His length, skill set, and ability to play both inside and out made him a constant mismatch for Saint Mary’s defenders. Whether it was driving to the basket, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or finishing off fast breaks, Miller showcased the full extent of his game in a way that made him impossible to stop. His performance highlighted just how special of a talent he is, and how important he will be for Alabama’s national championship aspirations moving forward.
But while Quinerly and Miller were the marquee players, it was Alabama’s depth that ultimately overwhelmed Saint Mary’s. The Crimson Tide got significant contributions from several players off the bench, most notably from forward Noah Clowney. Clowney, who had been a standout throughout the tournament, delivered 14 points and 8 rebounds in just 24 minutes of play. His ability to stretch the floor and dominate in the paint gave Alabama an extra dimension on both ends of the floor.
The bench also contributed valuable minutes from players like Nimari Burnett, who added energy and defensive prowess to Alabama’s rotation. Burnett’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and lock down on defense allowed Alabama to stay aggressive throughout the game, even as they rotated in fresh legs to keep the intensity high.
Saint Mary’s Struggles to Find Consistency
For Saint Mary’s, this game proved to be a classic example of how difficult it is to compete with teams that can push the tempo while also maintaining defensive discipline. The Gaels came into the game with a solid game plan: control the clock, limit turnovers, and rely on their efficient offense to wear down the opposition. However, the high-paced, transition-heavy style of Alabama completely disrupted those plans.
Saint Mary’s did have some standout individual performances. Guard Aidan Mahaney, a freshman who had been one of the team’s biggest contributors throughout the tournament, finished with 17 points and 5 assists. He was one of the few players on Saint Mary’s able to consistently get to the basket and create offense. However, Mahaney’s efforts weren’t enough to overcome the tide of Alabama’s talent and depth. The Gaels struggled to keep pace with Alabama’s fast breaks, and despite their best efforts, they couldn’t generate enough consistent offense to close the gap.
The Gaels’ defense, which had been one of their strong suits during the regular season, was simply no match for Alabama’s explosiveness. They allowed the Crimson Tide to shoot nearly 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc—numbers that are difficult to overcome for any team, let alone one that thrives on a slower, more deliberate style of play. Saint Mary’s was also hurt by its inability to hit timely shots, especially from three-point range, where they shot just 31% for the game.
Another area where Saint Mary’s struggled was their inability to handle the Crimson Tide’s full-court pressure. Alabama’s defense caused Saint Mary’s to commit 14 turnovers, several of which led to easy transition points. The Gaels found themselves on their heels for much of the game, unable to execute their offense with the same precision they had in earlier rounds of the tournament.
Alabama’s Path to the Sweet 16
For Alabama, the win against Saint Mary’s was more than just a stepping stone to the next round—it was another statement of their status as one of the top teams in the country. With this victory, the Crimson Tide secured their third straight trip to the Sweet 16, a remarkable feat that speaks to the consistency and strength of their program under Nate Oats.
Reaching the Sweet 16 is a major accomplishment in its own right, but for Alabama, it’s not enough. The Crimson Tide have higher aspirations, and Oats has made it clear that this team is built for more than just a deep tournament run. With the combination of talent, depth, and a championship-level defense, Alabama has all the pieces to make a serious push for the Final Four and beyond.
While the tournament is always unpredictable, Alabama’s road to the Sweet 16 has been a testament to their commitment to excellence. This team is built for March, with a roster full of players capable of stepping up in big moments. Whether it’s Quinerly’s leadership, Miller’s scoring, or the depth provided by players like Clowney and Burnett, Alabama has the tools to go all the way.
As the Crimson Tide look ahead to their next matchup in the Sweet 16, the road will only get tougher. The teams in this year’s tournament are as talented as ever, but if Alabama continues to play with the same intensity and execution they showed against Saint Mary’s, they will be a formidable force to reckon with.
Looking Ahead
As Alabama continues their march through the tournament, they’ll face increasingly difficult challenges, but this win against Saint Mary’s demonstrated that they are more than capable of overcoming any obstacle. With their dynamic offense, suffocating defense, and standout individual performances, Alabama has everything they need to continue their run.
In a season full of unpredictable upsets and thrilling performances, Alabama has remained consistent, showing why they are one of the most dangerous teams in the country. The journey to the Final Four is just beginning, but after this impressive victory, there’s no reason to doubt that the Crimson Tide can go all the way.