NCAA Basketball: UConn, Iowa State, Auburn rise in latest top 25 power rankings

18. Alabama (21-11)

Finding a better offense than Alabama is a difficult task. Finding a better defense is not a hard mission at all. The Crimson Tide have been scoring points in bunches all year long but it’s all about that other end of the floor. Alabama has impressive wins, but lost three of their last five in the regular season due mainly to their defense, giving up more than 100 points to both Florida and Kentucky.

What we’ve learned at the SEC Tournament is that this defense will end costing the Crimson Tide. Alabama fell 102-88 to Florida in the quarterfinals on Friday, losing for a second time to the Gators in March. Mark Sears had 22 points, Aaron Estrada scored 17, and Noah Pringle had a double-double, but it was another porous effort on defense, with the Gators shooting 51% from the field.

In the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament, Alabama has the ability to smother weaker teams with this explosive offense, but a good shooting night by any opponent could send the Crimson Tide right back to Tuscaloosa. Let’s not mince words; Alabama is a really good program and can certainly be a difference maker in the Big Dance, but let’s just say their games will likely hit the over. It’s a great chance to see Sears and the rest of this offense on the biggest stage.