#4 Alabama vs. #5 Texas Tech Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch: March Madness® 2026
#4 Alabama and #5 Texas Tech clash at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa for a Midwest Region second-round showdown. Here are details, our prediction, and how to watch with Sling TV.
The No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide (24-9) enter the second round of March Madness® looking like an offensive powerhouse after a dominant 90-70 opening-round victory over Hofstra. Under head coach Nate Oats, the Tide lead the nation in scoring at 91.7 points per game and currently rank as a top-five unit in adjusted offensive efficiency, despite playing the remainder of the tournament without suspended star Aden Holloway.
They face a No. 5 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders (23-10) squad that advanced with a convincing 91-71 win over Akron. Led by coach Grant McCasland, the Red Raiders have leaned into a lethal perimeter attack, setting a program record for three-pointers this season while overcoming the late-season loss of star forward JT Toppin.
Alabama features an electric backcourt led by sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr., while Texas Tech counters with a top-10 three-point shooting attack and the veteran playmaking of guard Christian Anderson.
To watch the Crimson Tide vs. Red Raiders Second Round game with Sling, use the link below for a 1 Day Pass subscription to TBS, or a monthly subscription to Sling Blue.
Alabama Crimson Tide Analysis
- Season Overview: Alabama (24-9) enters the second round as one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the country. They rank 3rd nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and 1st in points per game (91.7). They controlled their first-round game through a 46-34 rebounding advantage and timely perimeter shooting.
- Star Player: Labaron Philon Jr. (G). The sophomore standout delivered a "heroic" performance in the first round, recording 29 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. He is the primary engine for an Alabama team that thrives on pushing the tempo and attacking the rim.
- The X-Factor: Frontcourt Edge. With Texas Tech missing JT Toppin, Alabama big man Aiden Sherrell (15 points, 15 rebounds in R1) has a clear advantage inside. His ability to dominate the glass and provide second-chance points could be the deciding factor against a depleted Tech frontline.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Analysis
- Season Overview: Texas Tech (23-10) has navigated the loss of its best player to reach the Round of 32. They are an elite shooting team, ranking 5th nationally in three-pointers per game (11.5) and 6th in three-point percentage (39.7%), weapons they utilized to hit 11 threes in their opening-round win.
- Star Player: Christian Anderson (G). The guard is a critical playmaker, ranking 3rd nationally with 7.5 assists per game while averaging 18.9 points. His ability to navigate Alabama's pressure and find shooters like Donovan Atwell will be vital for the Red Raiders' upset hopes.
- The Upset Formula: Perimeter Variance. Texas Tech has won 18 games this season when shooting 40% or better from deep. If they can turn this into a high-possession shootout and hit 12+ threes, they can negate Alabama’s interior size advantage.
Key Matchup & Advanced Analytics
- Position Battle: Guard Duel vs. Interior Strength. Alabama's Labaron Philon Jr. will test a Texas Tech backcourt that features freshman standout Jaylen Petty, while the Crimson Tide will attempt to use their superior rebounding to bridge any shooting gap.
- Statistical Edge: Alabama holds a massive advantage in points per game and adjusted offensive efficiency. However, Texas Tech enters with a higher three-point percentage and a better assist-to-turnover ratio, which could prove vital in a high-scoring affair.
- Betting Trends: Texas Tech opened as a slight 1.5-point favorite in several markets. While Alabama has the higher seed, the Red Raiders have been exceptional as neutral-site favorites, though the "Over" has hit in a combined 41 games for these two teams this season.
Final Prediction & Betting Pick
- The Verdict: Alabama Crimson Tide.
- Final Score Prediction: Alabama 86, Texas Tech 80.
- Best Bet: Over 164.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the favorite in the game between Crimson Tide and Red Raiders? Texas Tech is a 1.0 to 1.5-point favorite according to opening lines from DraftKings and ESPN.
- Where can I stream the 2026 NCAA Tournament? Stream the entire Men's Tournament by subscribing to Sling Blue (which includes TBS) and watch CBS games at the NCAA website.
- What time is the Alabama game? Tip-off is scheduled for 9:45 PM ET (8:45 PM CT) on Sunday at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa.
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