Gallery: Alabama Takes Down Saint Mary’s to go to the Sweet 16

Cleveland, Ohio. - Alabama got Saint Mary's to play right into its hands, wanting to dominate the glass while shooting high-percentage shots from the field to build a 10-point lead, then hold off the Gaels until time expired on the clock.

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That's exactly what Alabama was able to do, as the Crimson Tide spent the first half building a 12-point lead over the Gaels, then spent the entire second half matching the shots Saint Mary's was hitting to secure an 80-66 victory over the No. 7 defense in college basketball. Alabama was able to play well on the glass, out-rebounding Saint Mary's 41-36 while scoring more points in the paint (42-30).

Alabama is moving on to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year - a feat only ever accomplished at Alabama by Wimp Sanderson (1985-1987* (1987 was vacated by the NCAA)).

Re-live Alabama's Round of 32 victory in a photo gallery!

The Alabama Crimson Tide will play against the BYU Cougars in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 27. The tip-off time is to be announced.

The Sportsbook at Pearl River Resort sponsors our coverage of the NCAA tournament. Located at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, it offers traditional sports betting, where guests can bet on all professional league sports and major collegiate sporting events.

Taco Casa also sponsors our coverage of the NCAA tournament. Under the biggest cactus in town, Taco Casa serves authentic, great-tasting food and award-winning sweet tea in Tuscaloosa. The quality, taste, and tradition that truly are Tuscaloosa. 

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.