When is the NCAA Tournament Basketball Game Between Alabama and Saint Mary’s?
The NCAA Tournament, also known as March Madness, never fails to deliver exciting and unpredictable matchups, and the upcoming second-round (Round of 32) game between Alabama Crimson Tide and Saint Mary’s Gaels is one of the most anticipated contests in this year’s tournament. Both teams have made their mark in the college basketball world this season, and now they face off in a pivotal game with a chance to advance further into the tournament and make a serious run toward the Final Four. This game presents an intriguing clash of styles, with Alabama’s fast-paced offense going head-to-head with Saint Mary’s deliberate, defensively strong approach.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of when and where you can catch this highly anticipated game, provide insights on the two teams, discuss their paths to the second round, and explore why this matchup could be one for the ages.
Game Details:
- Game: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels
- Round: NCAA Tournament, Second Round (Round of 32)
- Date: March 23, 2025
- Time: Approx. 5:00 PM ET
- Location: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama
- Broadcast: The game will be available for live viewing on CBS, with coverage starting at 5:00 PM ET. For those who prefer streaming, the game will also be available on March Madness Live and through Paramount+, CBS’s streaming service.
This game marks an exciting stage in the tournament as teams enter the Round of 32, where every matchup is crucial, and the stakes get higher with each passing round. Alabama comes into the game as one of the tournament’s favorites due to their high-scoring, explosive offense, while Saint Mary’s is hoping to pull off a shocking upset with their disciplined defense and calculated offensive execution.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Path to the Round of 32
The Alabama Crimson Tide, the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament South Region, entered the tournament with high expectations. As one of the most dynamic and explosive teams in college basketball this season, Alabama has been one of the premier programs in the country. They boast a high-powered offense led by Brandon Miller, one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, and have been dominant all season long under head coach Nate Oats.
First-Round Performance:
Alabama opened the tournament with a dominant first-round performance against a lower-seeded opponent. Their offensive machine was firing on all cylinders, as the Crimson Tide raced out to a quick lead and never looked back. With their fast break, three-point shooting, and suffocating defense, Alabama showcased why they are one of the most dangerous teams in the field.
Miller led the charge in the win, contributing both on the scoring end and as a playmaker, while Jahvon Quinerly, Mark Sears, and Noah Clowney all made significant contributions. Alabama’s defense was also a point of emphasis, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy points in transition. Their ability to dominate both ends of the floor made them a formidable opponent.
Strengths and Challenges:
Alabama’s ability to push the pace and take advantage of fast-break opportunities is one of their key strengths. With multiple players capable of running the floor, Alabama thrives in transition and creates a high-scoring environment that can overwhelm even the best defensive teams. Brandon Miller, in particular, is an offensive juggernaut, capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. However, the team must ensure that they don’t get complacent against teams like Saint Mary’s, who have the ability to slow the game down and disrupt their offensive flow.
While the Crimson Tide is known for their offensive prowess, they will also need to be aware of Saint Mary’s’ defensive discipline. Saint Mary’s will look to control the tempo and make it difficult for Alabama to operate in the fast break. If Alabama can execute their offensive plays efficiently and make the necessary adjustments to counter Saint Mary’s defense, they will have a strong chance to win.
Saint Mary’s Gaels: Path to the Round of 32
Saint Mary’s, the No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament West Region, entered the tournament with a chip on their shoulder. The Gaels are no strangers to success in the NCAA Tournament, but they have often been overlooked in favor of higher-seeded programs. This year, Randy Bennett’s squad has made a name for themselves with their defensive prowess and patient, methodical offense.
First-Round Performance:
In the first round, Saint Mary’s faced a challenging matchup against a No. 9 seed, and the Gaels came through with a gritty performance. Saint Mary’s was able to impose their defensive style on the game, limiting the opposing team’s high-scoring offense and slowing the game down to a crawl. They worked the shot clock on offense, relying on their star players, particularly Logan Johnson and Aidan Mahaney, to make clutch plays when it mattered most.
Despite their reputation for playing a slower, more deliberate style of basketball, Saint Mary’s proved they can win in multiple ways. Their defense, led by Mitchell Saxen, kept the game within reach, and they capitalized on key opportunities when they arose. The Gaels will need to continue this disciplined approach if they hope to challenge Alabama in the next round.
Strengths and Challenges:
Saint Mary’s thrives in games where they can control the tempo and limit possessions. Their defense is one of the best in the nation, and they excel in keeping the opposing offense from getting into a rhythm. Saint Mary’s is a team that values patience, and they will look to execute their offensive sets efficiently to prevent Alabama from getting into a high-scoring shootout.
One of the biggest challenges for Saint Mary’s in this matchup will be keeping up with Alabama’s speed and explosiveness. While the Gaels have the defense to make things difficult for Alabama, they will need to avoid falling behind early and playing catch-up. If Saint Mary’s can slow the game down, minimize turnovers, and force Alabama into a half-court offense, they could give themselves a real shot at pulling off an upset.
Key Storylines and Matchup Breakdown
As we look ahead to this highly anticipated second-round showdown, here are the key storylines and matchup dynamics to watch for:
Brandon Miller vs. Saint Mary’s Defense:
The biggest storyline in this game is the battle between Alabama’s Brandon Miller and the Saint Mary’s defense. Miller, one of the most talented players in college basketball, will be the focal point of the game for Alabama. How well Saint Mary’s can defend Miller, and limit his impact on the game, will go a long way in determining the outcome. Look for Logan Johnson, one of Saint Mary’s best defenders, to take on the challenge of guarding Miller. If Johnson can make Miller work for every point, it could frustrate Alabama’s offense and give Saint Mary’s a better chance to control the game’s pace.
Tempo Control:
As mentioned earlier, the battle of tempo will be a crucial factor. Alabama wants to run, push the ball in transition, and take quick shots, while Saint Mary’s wants to slow the game down, execute their offense with precision, and limit fast-break opportunities. If Saint Mary’s can dictate the pace and force Alabama to play at their tempo, they’ll have a much better chance of pulling off the upset. Conversely, if Alabama can get out in transition and score early, it could be difficult for the Gaels to catch up.
Alabama’s Three-Point Shooting:
Alabama has one of the best three-point shooting teams in the nation, and their ability to hit from beyond the arc will be crucial in this matchup. If Alabama is knocking down threes at a high clip, it will stretch the Saint Mary’s defense and open up opportunities for other players to get involved. Look for Mark Sears, Jahvon Quinerly, and Brandon Miller to be key contributors from deep. However, if Saint Mary’s can defend the perimeter well and close out on shooters, they could take away one of Alabama’s most potent weapons.
Saint Mary’s Offensive Efficiency:
For Saint Mary’s, offensive efficiency will be the name of the game. The Gaels need to take smart shots, work the shot clock, and ensure that every possession counts. With Alabama’s quick pace and ability to force turnovers, Saint Mary’s will need to avoid mistakes and make their opportunities count. Aidan Mahaney and Mitchell Saxen will be key players in this aspect, as they will need to carry the offensive load while still running efficient sets.