The road to the Final Four is always filled with surprises, moments of brilliance, and unexpected challenges. For the Alabama Crimson Tide, the 2025 NCAA Tournament was no exception. The tournament’s first and second weekends provided some thrilling performances, moments of adversity, and significant challenges that tested Alabama’s resolve. As one of the top teams in the country entering the tournament, Alabama was widely seen as one of the favorites, and they were determined to live up to that billing. Here’s a detailed look at the key events, highlights, and takeaways from Alabama’s journey through the tournament’s first two weekends.
First Weekend: Round of 64 and Round of 32
The first weekend of the NCAA Tournament is always crucial, as it sets the tone for the rest of the team’s journey. For Alabama, the expectations were high, and they entered the tournament with an impressive season record. They had the top seed in their region, and their game plan was to showcase the all-around brilliance that had defined their season under head coach Nate Oats.
Round of 64: Alabama vs. 16th Seed (Tough Start, Big Win)
Alabama entered the Round of 64 with confidence, facing off against a 16th-seeded team that had made a magical run through their conference tournament. Historically, no 16th seed has ever beaten a 1st seed in the men’s NCAA Tournament, and Alabama’s goal was to avoid any surprises and take care of business early. The game began with Alabama struggling to find their rhythm, with their opponent coming out hot and aggressive. The underdog team from a small conference took full advantage of some early Alabama turnovers and missed shots, quickly building a small but surprising lead.
The Crimson Tide, however, were not rattled. Coach Oats, known for his ability to make in-game adjustments, quickly got his team back on track. Alabama’s defense, which had been one of the best in the country all season, began to tighten, forcing turnovers and disrupting the flow of their opponent’s offense. The tide turned in Alabama’s favor thanks to the scoring prowess of standout guard Jahvon Quinerly and forward Brandon Miller, who took over the game with a series of clutch shots. The Crimson Tide gradually built up a double-digit lead and, despite a late surge from their opponents, cruised to a comfortable victory with a final score of 82-65.
While it wasn’t a flawless performance, Alabama’s win in the Round of 64 helped them shake off any nerves and refocus for the next round. The game also showed that while they could win big, there were still areas they needed to clean up, such as ball control and shot selection.
Round of 32: Alabama vs. 8th Seed (High-Powered Offense)
In the Round of 32, Alabama faced an 8th-seeded team that had been on a tear coming into the tournament. This opponent had proven they could compete with top-tier teams, and many expected a competitive and hard-fought game. However, Alabama’s explosive offense, led by Brandon Miller, put the game out of reach early. The Crimson Tide came out with a renewed sense of purpose, attacking from all angles, both on offense and defense.
The highlight of the game was Alabama’s ability to stretch the floor, creating space for three-point shooters like Noah Clowney and Jahvon Quinerly to get hot. On the defensive end, Alabama’s speed and pressure led to several key turnovers, turning the game into a track meet. By halftime, Alabama had built a commanding lead, and it only continued to grow as the second half wore on.
Brandon Miller, who had been stellar all season, showed why he was one of the top players in college basketball. He finished with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, controlling the tempo of the game and proving that he could impact the game in a variety of ways. Other players stepped up as well—Mark Sears provided valuable contributions off the bench, and the team’s depth continued to be a key factor in their dominance.
Alabama’s ability to weather a brief run by their opponents in the second half and finish strong showed that they were ready for the challenges ahead. The Crimson Tide won 87-72, and the performance underscored the team’s balance on both sides of the ball. They were ready for the more difficult challenges that awaited them in the Sweet 16.
Second Weekend: Sweet 16 and Elite 8
With the first weekend in the rearview mirror, Alabama advanced to the Sweet 16 with one goal in mind: making a statement. With a combination of athleticism, shooting, and defensive prowess, Alabama was one of the most well-rounded teams in the tournament. However, the road only got tougher as they entered the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Sweet 16: Alabama vs. 4th Seed (A Game of Defense and Grit)
Alabama’s Sweet 16 matchup was against a 4th-seeded team that had been known for their physicality and tough defense. This team had been a nightmare for opponents all year, and many analysts predicted that it would be a grind-it-out affair for Alabama. True to form, the game became a defensive battle from the opening tip. Alabama’s fast-paced offense was stymied by aggressive full-court pressure from their opponents, and for the first time in the tournament, Alabama was forced to fight through some adversity.
Alabama’s offense struggled at times in this game, with Jahvon Quinerly and Brandon Miller both being tightly guarded. The Crimson Tide were forced to adjust, shifting away from their usual reliance on the three-point shot and instead leaning on mid-range jumpers and tough finishes at the basket. Alabama’s defense also stepped up, and they found ways to limit their opponent’s shooting opportunities. Charles Bediako, Alabama’s towering center, was an absolute force in the paint, blocking shots and grabbing rebounds at crucial moments.
Despite the game being tightly contested, Alabama’s resilience shone through in the final minutes. With just under two minutes left, the game was tied, but Alabama’s veteran leadership and depth helped them seal the victory. Brandon Miller hit a clutch jumper with under 30 seconds remaining, giving Alabama the lead. A key defensive stop on the other end sealed the victory as Alabama emerged with a hard-fought win, 74-71. The win was a testament to their grit and determination, proving that Alabama could win in different styles—whether it was a high-scoring affair or a defensive battle.
Elite 8: Alabama vs. 2nd Seed (One of the Best Games of the Tournament)
After surviving a tough Sweet 16 matchup, Alabama’s Elite 8 opponent was a 2nd-seeded team that had been playing at a very high level throughout the tournament. This was expected to be the toughest test yet for the Crimson Tide, and the game lived up to its billing.
From the start, it was clear that this was going to be a high-intensity, high-stakes game. The opposing team was fast and athletic, with a dynamic backcourt and a strong interior presence. Alabama, however, was not intimidated. They came out firing on all cylinders, with Brandon Miller scoring early and often and Jahvon Quinerly continuing to play the role of playmaker. Alabama’s ball movement was on point, creating open shots for their shooters while maintaining pressure on the opposing team’s defense.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows. As the game neared its final moments, Alabama found themselves in a slight deficit, but this was a team that had been in close games before and knew how to close them out. In the final minute, with the game tied, Alabama had the ball. Jahvon Quinerly, who had been stellar all game, drove to the basket, drawing defenders before dishing it out to Noah Clowney in the corner. Clowney, with ice in his veins, nailed the three-pointer, giving Alabama the lead. A final defensive stand on the other end ensured a dramatic 82-79 victory for the Crimson Tide.
This game was a true test of Alabama’s ability to handle pressure. It was an example of the team’s ability to execute in clutch moments, with contributions coming from all over the roster. Alabama’s win advanced them to the Final Four, where they would face their toughest challenge yet, but for now, they had proven that they were ready for anything.
Takeaways and Reflections on Alabama’s First and Second Weekends
Throughout the first and second weekends of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Alabama showed what they were made of. Despite some challenges and moments of adversity, they demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure. Their wins were a collective effort, with standout performances from their stars, including Brandon Miller, Jahvon Quinerly, and Charles Bediako, but also key contributions from players like Noah Clowney and Mark Sears.
As they advanced to the Final Four, Alabama had proven that they were not just a team of incredible talent, but also a team with the mental toughness to go all the way. Their next test would be even tougher, but the foundation laid in these first two weekends—where they overcame tough opponents and showcased their versatility—made it clear that Alabama was a serious contender for the national championship.
As Alabama’s journey continued, the memories of their battles in the first and second weekends would live on as a testament to their grit and ability to overcome adversity on the biggest stage.