Alabama's season came to an end with a 90-77 loss to top-seeded Michigan in the NCAA tournament. The Crimson Tide struggled to keep up with the Wolverines' dominant second-half performance, which saw Michigan outrebound Alabama 25-12 and gain a 20-10 advantage in points in the paint. This decisive edge in the paint was a major factor in Michigan's victory, as Alabama's four-man platoon of London Jemison and Taylor Bol Bowen failed to secure a single rebound in the second half.
Michigan's brawn proved too much for Alabama to handle, and the team's inability to match up with the Wolverines' size was evident. Alabama coach Nate Oats acknowledged the team's size disadvantage, particularly at the four-spot position, and pointed to injuries to Collins Onyejiaka and Keitenn Bristow as contributing factors. However, Oats also referenced Charles Bediako, a player who had previously played for the Crimson Tide but was declared ineligible due to NCAA rules. Oats suggested that Bediako's potential return could have made a significant difference in the team's rebounding woes.
The loss highlights the significant gap between Alabama and the top-tier teams in the NCAA tournament. While the Crimson Tide made it to the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive year, their inability to compete with Michigan's size and strength is a major concern. The team's reliance on Charles Bediako as an excuse for their struggles is also telling, as it suggests a lack of depth and flexibility in their roster. With the transfer portal and recruitment process ongoing, Alabama will need to address their size disadvantage if they hope to compete with the best teams in the country.
