2024 Sweet 16 Match Preview - (#4) Alabama vs. (#1) North Carolina: Can the Crimson Tide upset the defending champs Tar Heels? March 26, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

On Thursday, 4th rank Alabama Crimson Tide will play the top-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels in the Sweet 16 of the 2024 College Basketball Tournament. Game time is set 9:39PM EDT at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.

This is a matchup between two-highly explosive college teams in this year's tournament. Alabama was somewhat subdued in their last game against Grand Canyon as it failed to reached its scoring average. The Crimson Tide show their defensive tenacity when their offense was blowing hot and cold to beat Grand Canyon, 72-61. Mark Sears is the man to watch for the Crimson Tide. He is expected to lead his team once again after delivering 26 point and 12 rebounds in their win against Grand Canyon.

The Tar Heels are known for their precision and explosive offense. However, they started slowly against Michigan State but manage to put up a blazing 23-3 run to end half and eventually routed the Spartans, 85-69. North Carolina will be led anew by ACC Player of the Year R.J. Davis after a 20-point performance against Michigan State. He is expected to received ample help from Armando Bacot, Harrison Ingram, Cormac Ryan and rookie Eliot Cadeau.

Injury Report

Alabama Crimson Tide

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Latrell Wrightsell Jr.	G	Game Time Decision
David Cosby Jr.	G	Out

North Carolina Tar Heels

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
No reported injuries.

Sports Bet Odds

The Tar Heels are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Tar Heels are favored by 4 points, with a money line of -112.
• The Crimson Tide are the underdogs by 4 points, with a money line of -108.
• The over/under is set at 152 points, with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

Mark Sears and R.J. Davis are the two best players in the guard position this season. Expect both players to lead their respective team to punch their way into the Elite 8. Both teams have high-octane offense but the team that ramps up their defense will have the best chance to advance.

Team Stats

Alabama Crimson Tide 5th SEC (13-5) Overall (23-11)		North Carolina Tar Heels 1st ACC (17-3) Overall (29-7)
90.7	Point Per Game	81.8
80.9	Points Allowed	70.0
47.7	FG% Per Game	45.3
39.7	Rebounds Per Game	40.9
16.0	Assists Per Game	14.4