Following recent matchups against Missouri and Kentucky, the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team has experienced notable shifts in NCAA Tournament bracketology projections.
Performance Recap:
Loss to Missouri: On February 20, Alabama faced a challenging game against the Missouri Tigers, resulting in a 110-98 defeat. This outcome impacted Alabama’s standing, as Missouri’s strong performance bolstered their own tournament resume.
Victory over Kentucky: Rebounding from the loss, Alabama secured a significant 83-82 win over the Kentucky Wildcats on February 22. This victory was crucial in maintaining Alabama’s position among the top seeds.
Bracketology Implications:
As of February 25, 2025, various bracketology experts have updated their projections:
Blogging the Bracket: Alabama is positioned as the No. 3 overall seed, maintaining a spot on the No. 1 seed line. This projection comes after their win against Kentucky, which helped stabilize their ranking despite the earlier loss to Missouri.
On3 Sports: Alabama is projected as a No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region. The team’s resilience, demonstrated by bouncing back with a win over Kentucky, has solidified their standing among the top seeds.
Hoops HQ: Alabama holds the No. 3 overall seed, remaining on the No. 1 seed line. The recent victory over Kentucky has been pivotal in maintaining this top-tier placement.
SEC Context:
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to showcase its strength, with multiple teams vying for top seeds:
Auburn Tigers: Consistently projected as the No. 1 overall seed, Auburn’s performance has been dominant throughout the season.
Florida Gators: Despite a recent loss, Florida remains a strong contender, often appearing as a No. 2 seed in various projections.
Tennessee Volunteers: With solid performances, Tennessee is frequently projected as a No. 2 seed, reflecting the SEC’s depth and competitiveness.
Looking Ahead:
Alabama’s upcoming schedule includes critical matchups that could influence their seeding:
Mississippi State: A win here would further solidify Alabama’s position as a top seed.
Florida and Tennessee: These games present opportunities for Alabama to assert dominance within the SEC and potentially improve their seeding prospects.
Maintaining consistency and securing victories in these key games will be essential for Alabama to preserve or enhance their current seeding as the NCAA Tournament approaches.