On March 21, 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide faced the Robert Morris Colonials in the NCAA Tournament, aiming for a successful march through the bracket. Despite a scare, Alabama emerged victorious, defeating Robert Morris by a score of 90-81. The highlight of the game came from Mark Sears, who scored 22 points and handed out 10 assists, showcasing his dual-threat capability on the court.
Meanwhile, the Saint Mary's Gaels put their own skills on display as they edged out the Vanderbilt Commodores 59-56, demonstrating resilience by overcoming a 12-point deficit in the second half. With this win, both teams prepared to clash in the East Region in Cleveland.
Alabama's run in the tournament is marked by the contributions from several key players. In particular, Mouhamed Dioubate stepped up, scoring 18 points on an impressive 8-of-10 shooting. He also secured 10 rebounds, marking his sixth double-double of the season. Clifford Omoruyi maintained a perfect shooting performance, going 8-for-8 and finishing with 17 points, along with four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in a well-rounded performance.
As Alabama heroically sealed their victory against Robert Morris, star forward Grant Nelson, though hindered by a knee issue, made his presence felt with timely plays, including a pivotal dunk that gave the Crimson Tide a lead in the final minutes of the game.
The upcoming game against Saint Mary's represents a crucial moment for Alabama's aspirations. With a record of 26-8 and ranked No. 8 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, they aim for their fourth Sweet 16 appearance in five years under Coach Nate Oats. The stakes are similarly high for Saint Mary's, who seeks a return to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2010.
Saint Mary's has been a formidable force this season, clinching the West Coast Conference championship with a 17-1 record in league play. They also boast a strong defensive reputation, ranking fourth nationally by limiting opponents to an average of just 60.5 points per game. This will be crucial as they face off against an Alabama team leading the nation in scoring with an average of 91.1 points per game.
The matchup is slated for a 5:10 p.m. CT tip-off on TNT, with live streaming options available through Sling TV. Commentary will be provided by Spero Dedes and Jim Spanarkel, while Jon Rothstein reports from the sidelines.
BetMGM sets Alabama as a 5.5-point favorite, with an over/under of 148.5, indicating confidence in their high-scoring capabilities. Both teams will be eager to prove themselves in this vital second-round game of the NCAA Tournament.
As the clock winds down to game time, players, fans, and coaches alike are filled with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying showdown between two talented teams vying for postseason glory.
Meanwhile, attention also turns to the 2025 WIAA boys basketball state tournament, which recently concluded with several exciting championship games held at the Kohl Center in Madison.
On March 22, 2025, the WIAA Division 1 state championship showcased a thrilling contest as Wisconsin Lutheran clinched back-to-back titles by defeating Marshfield 57-55. The final moments were intensely dramatic, highlighted by Alex Greene's interception of a cross-court pass, sealing the victory for Wisconsin Lutheran.
Key performances from Zavier Zens, who scored 15 points, and the standout play of Josiah Rice, who contributed with critical steals, helped flip the script late in the game. Marshfield, holding a one-point lead entering the closing minutes, could not fend off Wisconsin Lutheran's surge.
The Division 2 title was claimed by Wauwatosa West, who triumphed over Racine Park in a close 60-57 overtime victory, marking the school's first boys basketball state title. Thanks to DJ Hennings' crucial jumper that tied the game at the end of regulation, Wauwatosa West extended their winning streak in a thrilling finale.
In the Division 3 championship, the Milwaukee Academy of Science held off Freedom to win their first title, with Devin Brown leading the Novas with 17 points. After trailing at halftime, they rallied back in the second half, fueled by an 18-3 run that dramatically shifted the game in their favor.
Aquinas also shone in the Division 4 championship game, cruising to a 74-45 victory over Bonduel, with standout performances led by Trey Bahr, who scored 20 points. Meanwhile, Cochrane-Fountain City claimed their first title in Division 5, edging out Sheboygan Lutheran in a tight contest, finishing 60-54.
The 2025 WIAA 3-Point Challenge saw Karson Osterman from Pewaukee take home the crown with a final score of 21 points, besting Cade Felch of D.C. Everest. Osterman's stellar performance made for a fitting conclusion to an exciting weekend at the Kohl Center.
This year’s championships highlighted the immense talent across Wisconsin high school basketball, culminating in memorable moments and remarkable achievements by teams and individuals alike.
