Alabama takes on Villanova in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Here’s what you need to know to watch the game on TV and online.
With the stunning upset of Virginia by UMBC, Villanova takes over as the presumptive favorite in the NCAA Tournament. But if they want to push their run any further they’ll need to get past the red hot Alabama Crimson Tide first.
Alabama knocked off Virginia Tech in the first round but they needed a great performance in the SEC Tournament to even make the March Madness field. Alabama finished their regular season on a five-game losing streak before beating Texas A&M and then Auburn in their Conference Tourney. Alabama is led by freshman phenom Collin Sexton, a likely lottery pick in next year’s NBA Draft. Since the beginning of the SEC Tournament, Sexton has been averaging 26.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 50.0 percent on 3-pointers.
Villanova was the best team in the nation by KenPom.com‘s adjusted efficiency margin, ranking first in adjusted offensive efficiency and 24th in defensive efficiency. They are led by Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, both capable 3-point shooters and off-the-dribble creators. Bridges is an exceptional defensive prospect as well and may see some minutes on Sexton, trying to slow down Alabama at the point of attack.
Here’s what you need to watch Alabama vs Villanova on TV and online:
Date: Saturday, March 17
Start Time: 12:10 p.m. ET
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Arena: PPG Paints Arena
TV Channel: CBS
Live Stream: NCAA March Madness Live
Next: All live stream info in one place
This is a matchup with huge implications. Villanova is as strong a team as is remaining in the field and could legitimately win it all. Alabama is an underdog but they have the star power to keep the upset train rolling.