Of course, no algorithm can predict every twist and turn of the NCAA Tournament, but they do a solid job of estimating a team’s chances of making deep runs. According to ESPN’s BPI, Alabama has a 42.2% chance of reaching the Elite Eight and a 20.5% shot at the Final Four. They rank sixth in both categories, trailing teams like Duke, Houston, and Auburn.
Alabama Takes Down Kentucky Again
On the brighter side, Alabama dominated Kentucky in the SEC Tournament, marking their third win over the Wildcats this season. There were rumors that Kentucky wanted Alabama coach Nate Oats after parting ways with John Calipari, but Oats wasn’t interested. Instead, Kentucky hired Mark Pope, who confidently said, “If you’re gonna beat us, you’re gonna have to kill us.” Alabama must have taken that personally because they crushed Kentucky yet again.
Despite struggling from three-point range early, Alabama still put up 45 first-half points and pulled away in the second half. Freshman Labaron Philon led the charge with 21 points, while Jarin Stevenson had one of his best performances of the season.
Now, Alabama faces Florida in the SEC semifinals, a team that’s been red-hot, winning 11 of their last 12 games. The Crimson Tide will need strong defense and a big performance to take down the Gators.