Alabama Dominates Texas Tech, Advances to Sweet 16

Crimson Tide's relentless 3-point shooting overwhelms Red Raiders

Mar. 23, 2026 at 10:10am

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Fourth-seeded Alabama blew out No. 5 Texas Tech 90-65 in the NCAA Tournament's second round, led by Latrell Wrightsell's 24 points and a barrage of 3-pointers. The Crimson Tide made 19 of 42 shots from long range (45.2%) compared to just 4-of-25 (16%) for the Red Raiders. Alabama controlled the boards 47-35 and led by as many as 34 points before coasting to the victory. The Crimson Tide will face top-seeded Michigan in the Sweet 16.

Why it matters

Alabama's dominant performance showcases their offensive firepower and ability to overwhelm opponents with their 3-point shooting. The loss ends Texas Tech's season on a sour note after they lost star player JT Toppin to a season-ending injury earlier. This result sets up an intriguing Sweet 16 matchup between Alabama and Michigan.

The details

Alabama was led by Latrell Wrightsell's 24 points, including 6-of-9 shooting from 3-point range. Houston Mallette scored 15 points, all on 3-pointers, while Amari Allen had 12 points and Aiden Sherrell added 10. Labaron Philon Jr. contributed 9 points and a career-high 12 assists. For Texas Tech, LeJuan Watts had 16 points and 7 rebounds, Donovan Atwell scored 12 points, and Leon Horner added 10 points.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 23, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.

The players

Latrell Wrightsell

A key player for Alabama, scoring 24 points and making 6 3-pointers.

Houston Mallette

Alabama guard who scored all 15 of his points on 3-pointers.

LeJuan Watts

Leading scorer for Texas Tech with 16 points and 7 rebounds.

JT Toppin

Texas Tech's star player who suffered a season-ending injury earlier in the year.

Michigan

The top-seeded team that Alabama will face in the Sweet 16.

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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

The takeaway

Alabama's dominant performance showcases their offensive firepower and ability to overwhelm opponents with their 3-point shooting. The loss ends Texas Tech's season on a sour note after they lost their star player earlier in the year. This result sets up an intriguing Sweet 16 matchup between Alabama and top-seeded Michigan.