Alabama vs. San Diego State Live Stream : Watch March Madness 2023 Online, TV Channels, Sweet 16 Bracket

A rather interesting challenge awaits No. 1-seeded Alabama in Friday’s Sweet 16 as the Crimson Tide take on a fierce San Diego State defense with a spot in the Southern Region’s Elite Eight at stake. The 5th-seeded Aztecs only allow 63.1 points per game and prefer to play slowly, which contrasts with an Alabama squad, which averages 82.3 points per contest. The Crimson Tide also rank #3 for defensive efficiency according to KenPom, meaning there are few shortcomings to exploit among the SEC’s regular season and tournament champions.

Freshman phenom Brandon Miller is Alabama’s top scorer, and a dynamic one at that, but the Crimson Tide has several veteran offensive players and ranks ninth nationally in 3 points per game with 10.1 points. Eliminating everyone will be a challenge for San Diego State as the program makes its first appearance at the Sweet 16 since 2014. Offensively, the Aztecs are led by Matt Bradley, who is averaging 13 points per game with 36.6% shooting. SDSU simply played a more physical style than Charleston and Furman in the first two rounds of the tournament and it will be a challenge to impose its will against the Crimson Tide in a similar fashion.

Watch Alabama vs. San Diego State in Sweet 16

Date: Friday March 24 | Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: KFC Yummy! Center—Louisville, Kentucky
TV: TBS | Live broadcast: March madness live

Alabama vs. San Diego State: What you should know

These two teams stroll into this Sweet 16 showdown after big wins in their previous games. The Aztecs won their second round matchup against the Furman by a convincing 75-52 score. Four San Diego State players scored in double figures: guard Micah Parrish (16), guard Darrion Trammell (13), guard Lamont Butler (12) and guard Matt Bradley (10).

Meanwhile, last Saturday’s Crimson Tide proved too difficult a challenge for Maryland as they blew past the terps 73-51. Bama can credit much of their success to guard Jahvon Quinerly, who had 22 points in the impressive win.

Two defensive stats to keep in mind as you watch: The Aztecs go into the matchup averaging just 63.1 points per game, good for the 25th-best finish in the nation. As for the Crimson Tide, they keep their opponents at a 37.10% field goal percentage, which puts them second in the country.