Alabama's Season Ends in Sweet 16 Loss to Michigan

Crimson Tide come up short against Wolverines despite strong first half effort

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alabama basketball's season came to an end in the Sweet 16 as the Crimson Tide fell to 1-seed Michigan 90-77 at the United Center in Chicago. Despite a strong first half performance, Alabama was outmatched by the Wolverines' size and physicality in the second half, getting outrebounded 61-32 over the course of the game. Head coach Nate Oats and players Labaron Philon Jr., Latrell Wrightsell, and Houston Mallette discussed the team's effort, growth, and the bittersweet end to a memorable season.

Why it matters

Alabama's deep tournament run this season was a testament to the team's resilience and leadership in the face of significant roster adversity. While the loss to Michigan ends their championship aspirations, the Crimson Tide's performance and character throughout the year have earned the respect of their coach and fans alike.

The details

Alabama jumped out to a 49-47 halftime lead, but Michigan quickly seized control in the second half with a dominant effort on the boards. The Wolverines outscored the Crimson Tide 43-28 in the final 20 minutes, limiting Alabama to just 5-of-23 shooting from three-point range. Michigan's size and physicality proved too much for the undersized Crimson Tide, who struggled to match the Wolverines' intensity on the glass.

  • Alabama led 49-47 at halftime.
  • Michigan outscored Alabama 43-28 in the second half.

The players

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team.

Labaron Philon Jr.

A guard for the Alabama Crimson Tide who scored a team-high 35 points in the loss.

Latrell Wrightsell

A guard for the Alabama Crimson Tide who discussed the team's effort and chemistry throughout the season.

Houston Mallette

A guard for the Alabama Crimson Tide who praised the leadership and growth of his teammate Labaron Philon Jr.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We knew we were going to have to rebound with them and we did in the second half. We were only losing it by one, and we were up two. Then we came out in the second half, and Michigan just seemed like they imposed their will on us.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

“I mean, I think we grew a brotherhood that can't be broken, and I feel like it's deeper than basketball. I think we have a faith-based relationship, and I think that goes further than basketball and just the relationship in general.”

— Latrell Wrightsell, Guard, Alabama Crimson Tide

“This team, we're incredibly close. There's a word that I kind of live my life by, and it's tattooed on my arm. It means agape, and agape is God's love, his unconditional love for us as his children. That's kind of -- not kind of. That is the example that I feel like we all in the locker room portrayed.”

— Houston Mallette, Guard, Alabama Crimson Tide

The takeaway

While Alabama's season ended in disappointment, the Crimson Tide's resilience, leadership, and strong team culture throughout the year have set a positive example that coach Nate Oats plans to build upon as he looks to reload his roster for another deep tournament run.