No. 7 Saint Mary’s vs No. 2 Alabama

Sunday, March 23
3:10 pm PT, TNT
East Region, Cleveland

If the Gaels are going to win this contest they need Augustas Marciulionis to become a Monstar (Space Jam).

Marciulionis always makes the right decisions, but sometimes the most unselfish thing an unselfish player can do is be selfish.

Paulius Murauskas played scared against Vanderbilt. He only finished with four points and three rebounds. Murauskas will probably play better against Alabama but likely won’t have a huge night against the Tide’s athleticism.

Two other SMC players to watch are Mitchell Saxen and Jordan Ross. Saxen will be Saxen, he’ll grab rebounds, take smart shots, and provide a nice post presence.

But Ross, who led the team in scoring with 15 points, could be the key. When he’s on, he provides a third scoring option for the Gaels outside of Marciulionis and Murauskas.

Mikey Lewis could also provide a spark, he scored 40 combined points for SMC in their two victories against Gonzaga.

Alabama needs to continuously attack the basket. UA may have the fastest pace in the country but this only works if they take smart shots.

Even though Saint Mary’s has a lot of size they don’t have a true rim protector.

Mark Sears among other Crimson Tide players are used to more athleticism in the SEC, so they won’t be phased by size. Sears leads Alabama averaging 18.8 points per game.

Another pivotal player for UA is Grant Nelson. Nelson is still easing his way back from an ankle injury, but he’s an NBA-style body that Saint Mary’s isn’t accustomed to seeing.

He can grab a rebound and immediately lead the break which is unusual considering he’s 6-foot-11 and 235 pounds.

Nelson has proven effective in five out sets and sets that have only one post on the floor. He leads UA in assists at 7.5 per game, he also averages 11.6 points per.

A few other Crimson Tide Players to watch are Labaron Philon, Aden Holloway, and Chris Youngblood. The trio are all proven scorers, and they almost all average in double-figure scoring with Youngblood just missing the mark at 9.8 points per game.

Mouhamed Dioubate could also provide a spark, he scored 18 points in the opening round.

Saint Mary’s is a well-coached team, but they probably won’t be able to dominate the offensive glass against Alabama’s athleticism.

Sears also had a slow start in the opener and will look to amend his mistakes.

The Gaels are fire, but the tide will put out their flames. UA wins a weird one.