Alabama vs UCLA: 2021 NCAA Tournament game preview, TV schedule, odds

11 seed UCLA looks to continue its great postseason with a spot in the Elite 8 on the line. They’ll have to get through No. 2 seed Alabama first.

TV schedule: Sunday, March 28th, 7:15 pm ET. TBS

Arena: Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana

Line (via Odds Shark): Alabama (-4.5)

Of all the regions in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, the East Region has given us the least amount of chaos. In the first semifinal matchup of this part of the bracket, we have Florida State vs Michigan, a 4 vs 1 seed. Here is No. 2 seed Alabama taking on the one outlier of the group, the 11-seeded UCLA Bruins.

UCLA needed to win the First Four matchup against Michigan State on opening night just to advance to take on BYU. That proved to be no big issue, thanks to 27 points from a previously injured Johnny Juzang. The team was gifted with playing 14 seed Abilene Christian in the Round of 32, who had no upset magic left after upsetting Texas two days earlier.

The Bruins won that game, 67-47. Juzang led all scorers once again with 17 points, while big man Cody Riley had 12 points and 12 rebounds. After losing four straight to nearly miss the NCAA Tournament, they’ve won three straight to get to this point.

But will they be able to withstand a potential offensive onslaught against the Alabama Crimson Tide? After struggling a bit in the first-round game against Iona, the Tide went off in the Round of 32 matchup against Maryland, winning 96-77. Jaden Shackelford had 21 points to lead the Tide, while John Petty had 20. Three players off the bench were in double figures as well, led by a 14-point and 11-assist performance from point guard Jahvon Quinerly.

Not only does Alabama have one of the best offenses in the country, but they also are a quality defensive unit. What makes them such a difficult team to beat is their versatility and multiple weapons. They’ve had injuries but now have their full rotation to work with. Meanwhile, the Bruins needed some time to work without Chris Smith, who was lost midway in the season to an injury. Forward Jalen Hill has been out for a while due to personal reasons.

Had this game been played with both Smith and Hill able to play, this might be more competitive. But I doubt UCLA will allow Juzang to go off for 20+ points, which will be what the Bruins need to pull off the upset. Instead, look for a strong defensive performance that’ll have them making the Elite 8.

Prediction: Alabama 77, UCLA 63