Bubble Talk: No. 5/5 Alabama’s Week Two in the NCAA Tournament Bubble
3/26/2021 4:31:00 PM | Men's Basketball
The Crimson Tide continues its game preparation for Sunday’s Sweet 16 contest vs. UCLA
INDIANAPOLIS – The No. 5/5 Alabama men’s basketball team has been away from Tuscaloosa for 16 days as of Friday, departing town for the Southeastern Conference Tournament on March 10, and inside the NCAA Tournament bubble for 12 days, since arriving in Indianapolis late on March 14.
During the second week inside the bubble, the student-athletes, coaches and staff were able to experience a couple of different outings all while continuing preparation as it heads into Sunday’s Sweet 16 contest vs. No. 11 seed UCLA.
Man on a mission @jpetty2324
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) March 24, 2021
Huntsville, Ala. ? #MarchMadness Sweet16 pic.twitter.com/shNM7mSyrE
Following Monday night’s victory over No. 10 seed Maryland, Alabama had an off day from the hardwood on Tuesday, focusing on the team’s academics, as well as rehab and recovery for the two games over the previous three days. That afternoon, the team went on an excursion to the Indianapolis Zoo.
The team began Wednesday with an early afternoon practice inside the Convention Center. Following practice and a team lift, Alabama participated in its second outdoor activity in as many days when the team and staff visited a local Top Golf facility.
Alabama ended the week finalizing its game preparation for UCLA. Thursday began with the team’s media availability as head coach Nate Oats and guard Jahvon Quinerly spent 30 minutes answer questions. The Crimson Tide then had its first chance to participate in a practice at Lucas Oil Stadium – site of the 2021 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight and Final Four – when it went for 90 minutes on one of the two game floors.
The sweet sounds of #MarchMadness in @LucasOilStadium ?? ?? ?? #RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball | #Sweet16 pic.twitter.com/RBZNNMoYrl
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) March 26, 2021
Friday saw UA move its practice to Sunday’s game floor at Hinkle Fieldhouse, spending 90 minutes inside the historic venue. The Tide finalized its game plan for UCLA, as the teams will meet for the sixth time in series history and second time in the NCAA Tournament.
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— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) March 25, 2021
???????????????? @NaismithTrophy Defensive Player of the Year #RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/szxOgxu5FD
The Crimson Tide and Bruins will tip off Sunday night at 6:15 p.m. CT (7:15 p.m. ET) and will be televised on TBS. The winner will advance to the Elite Eight Tuesday night to take on the winner between No. 1 seed Michigan and No. 4 Florida State.
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— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) March 23, 2021
For all the latest information on the team, follow AlabamaMBB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can be found @UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook.
