Underdog Hofstra hopes to catch No. 4 seed Alabama off-balance

Alabama will be without suspended guard Aden Holloway for the NCAA Tournament first-round matchup

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:10pm

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After spending several days in the news for all the wrong reasons, Alabama is more anxious for the NCAA Tournament than ever. The No. 4 seed Crimson Tide (23-9) will look to put an ugly week behind them when they tip off against No. 13 seed Hofstra (24-10) on Friday afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Tampa, Fla. Alabama is without Aden Holloway, who was suspended from the team after his arrest Monday on felony drug charges.

Why it matters

This is the sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament for Alabama, including its fourth straight appearance as a No. 4 seed or better. It is the first time in Crimson Tide program history that the team has achieved that feat. Hofstra is eager to try to pull off an upset in its first NCAA Tournament game since 2001.

The details

Minus Holloway, Alabama could learn more on Labaron Philon and Latrell Wrightsell to carry the load on offense. Amari Allen and Houston Mallette also could receive more playing time as Oats looks to fill the void left by the suspended guard. Hofstra coach Speedy Claxton said his team is not afraid of its moment against a talented SEC team in the national spotlight, and the Pride fully expect to win.

  • Alabama will tip off against Hofstra on Friday afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Tampa, Fla.
  • Aden Holloway was suspended from the Alabama team after his arrest on Monday on felony drug charges.

The players

Aden Holloway

A suspended Alabama guard who averaged 16.8 points and 3.8 assists per game this season.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team.

Speedy Claxton

The head coach of the Hofstra Pride basketball team.

Cruz Davis

The leading scorer for Hofstra this season, averaging 20.2 points per game.

Labaron Philon

The leading scorer for Alabama this season, averaging 21.7 points per game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.