When UNC and Alabama faced off in last year’s Phil Knight Invitational, both teams were viewed as early-season contenders for the National Championship.
The Crimson Tide were led by Brandon Miller, who eventually became the second overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft, while the Tar Heels returned most of their starters from the 2022 National Championship run.
Alabama ended up winning 103-101. Despite the loss, UNC proved it could still hang with the big boys.
What the loss didn’t foreshadow, however, was underlying issues that would eventually prevent North Carolina from making the NCAA Tournament. The Crimson Tide earned the Big Dance’s top overall seed, but lost in the Sweet 16 to San Diego State.
This year, UNC is still viewed as a National Championship contender. Alabama is a great team, but its lackluster defense doesn’t label it in the title conversation.
The Tar Heels and Crimson Tide will face off in the Sweet 16 on Thursday at 9:39 p.m. ET. North Carolina easily beat Wagner and pulled away late from Michigan State, while Alabama played closed against College of Charleston and Grand Canyon.
Many eyes will be on the RJ Davis-Mark Sears matchup, but the bigger question is if UNC can compete with yet another strong program.
See below for more information on how to watch Thursday’s high-scoring battle:
UNC-ALABAMA TV, RADIO, AND STREAMING INFORMATION
WHAT: North Carolina (29-7, 17-3 ACC) vs. Alabama (23-11, 13-5 SEC)
WHEN: Thursday, March 28 at 9:39 p.m. ET
LOCATION: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.
TV: CBS (Watch and stream the game live on NCAA.com)
ANNOUNCERS: Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, Allie LaForce
SATELLITE RADIO: SiriusXM (Channel 201)
WEBSITE: NCAA.com
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