As the 2025 NCAA Tournament kicks off, one of the most exciting matchups in the first round features the Alabama Crimson Tide facing off against the Green Bay Phoenix. This is a high-stakes game where both teams will look to make a statement early on, but the spotlight will be on Alabama, which enters as one of the tournament favorites, while Green Bay enters with hopes of pulling off an upset.
For the Alabama Crimson Tide, this game represents an opportunity to continue their dominant season, build on their success in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and make a deep run in the tournament. For the Green Bay Phoenix, the challenge is steep: they’re coming from the Horizon League, and while they’ve had a successful season, their first-round matchup with one of the nation’s top teams will test them in ways they haven’t experienced before. Nonetheless, the Phoenix will look to channel their momentum and take advantage of any vulnerabilities the Crimson Tide might have.
In this preview, we’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, key players to watch, and how each squad will approach this matchup. Whether you’re a fan of Alabama’s high-octane play or Green Bay’s underdog mentality, this first-round game promises to deliver a thrilling start to March Madness.
Alabama Crimson Tide: A Powerhouse Program with Championship Aspirations
Alabama has been one of the premier programs in college basketball over the past few years, and this season is no exception. Under head coach Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide has developed a reputation for playing fast-paced, aggressive basketball. Oats’ system emphasizes high-scoring offense, strong defense, and relentless pressure. Alabama’s high tempo has made them one of the most difficult teams to deal with in the country, and they have the talent to back up their style of play.
Key Strengths:
- High-Scoring Offense: Alabama is one of the most explosive teams in the country, regularly scoring in the 80s and 90s. The team thrives on fast-break points, and their perimeter shooting is one of their defining features. With the ability to hit three-pointers from anywhere on the floor, Alabama can stretch defenses and create driving lanes for their athletes. Expect the Crimson Tide to come out firing early and often, looking to establish a rhythm from deep.
- Defense and Depth: While Alabama’s offense gets most of the attention, their defense has been equally impressive this season. They can apply intense full-court pressure and trap opponents into making mistakes, leading to fast breaks and easy points. Their depth is another asset—Oats is able to rotate players frequently without sacrificing production, ensuring that the Crimson Tide can keep up their high-intensity play throughout the game.
- Versatile Players: Alabama has multiple players capable of taking over games. Brandon Miller, one of the team’s star players, has been an offensive juggernaut this season, contributing both as a scorer and a playmaker. Alongside him, Mark Sears and Jaden Bradley are two dynamic guards who can stretch the floor and score in a variety of ways. The versatility of these players, coupled with Alabama’s fast pace, makes them one of the most difficult teams to defend in the tournament.
- Rebounding and Transition Play: Alabama is not only proficient at scoring, but they also excel at getting extra possessions. Their strong rebounding, especially on the offensive glass, allows them to create second-chance opportunities. Once they secure the ball, Alabama is quick to push the pace and transition into fast breaks, where they can catch teams off guard and generate high-quality shot attempts.
Key Players to Watch:
- Brandon Miller (Forward): Miller has been a standout player for Alabama this season. Known for his scoring ability, Miller can dominate on the offensive end by scoring both inside and on the perimeter. His versatility allows him to stretch the floor and attack the basket, and he will likely be the focal point of Alabama’s offense in this matchup.
- Mark Sears (Guard): Sears is an exceptional playmaker who can score in a variety of ways. His ability to run the offense and set up teammates while still being a threat to score makes him a key player for Alabama in their first-round matchup. Look for Sears to be active on both ends of the court, contributing to the fast-paced style Alabama loves to play.
- Noah Clowney (Forward): Clowney’s presence on the interior provides Alabama with a strong defensive presence. His ability to contest shots and grab rebounds in traffic will be crucial in keeping Green Bay from getting easy points in the paint. Clowney will need to play an active role on both ends of the floor to keep the Crimson Tide’s defensive momentum going.
Green Bay Phoenix: The Underdogs with Determination
Green Bay enters this game as the heavy underdog. Hailing from the Horizon League, a conference that has historically not been as competitive as the power conferences, the Phoenix are facing a major challenge in taking on Alabama. However, Green Bay has had a strong season and earned its way into the tournament by winning the Horizon League Championship. The Phoenix play a disciplined, team-oriented style and will need to capitalize on every opportunity to pull off an upset.
Key Strengths:
- Team Play and Chemistry: Green Bay has made a name for itself by playing as a cohesive unit. They don’t have the same level of individual talent as Alabama, but their emphasis on team play has helped them stay competitive throughout the season. The Phoenix play solid, fundamental basketball, often relying on their defense and ball movement to generate offense.
- Defense: Green Bay’s defense will be critical in this matchup. While they might not be able to match Alabama’s speed and athleticism, they’ll have to be sound in their defensive rotations, contest shots, and limit the Crimson Tide’s transition opportunities. If the Phoenix can slow the game down and make it a half-court affair, they’ll have a better chance of frustrating Alabama’s offensive flow.
- Guard Play: Green Bay’s backcourt is the key to their offense. Trey Lewis, a standout guard for the Phoenix, has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor and is the team’s primary playmaker. He’ll need to be efficient and smart with the ball, as turnovers could easily turn into fast-break points for Alabama. Alongside him, Javon Greene provides additional scoring and defensive pressure, creating a balanced backcourt that can handle the defensive intensity Alabama will bring.
- Rebounding and Toughness: Green Bay may not have the same depth or athleticism as Alabama, but they can stay competitive by being scrappy and winning the battle on the boards. Their physicality and toughness could allow them to match up with Alabama in the paint, particularly if they can keep the Crimson Tide from getting second-chance opportunities.
Key Players to Watch:
- Trey Lewis (Guard): Lewis is the most important player for Green Bay in this game. His ability to create his own shot and distribute the ball will be essential for the Phoenix. If Lewis can handle the pressure from Alabama’s defense and score efficiently, it could go a long way in keeping Green Bay in the game.
- Javon Greene (Guard): Greene is another player to keep an eye on, as he provides scoring and defensive energy. His ability to guard Alabama’s perimeter players and contribute offensively will be critical for the Phoenix in this matchup.
- Amari Davis (Forward): Davis brings toughness and rebounding ability to Green Bay’s frontcourt. He will be tasked with battling Alabama’s athletic big men and preventing them from controlling the glass. Davis’ performance could be a key factor in whether Green Bay can stay competitive inside.
How the Game Will Play Out
This game will likely be a battle between contrasting styles. Alabama will want to play fast, using their speed and athleticism to overwhelm Green Bay early and often. The Crimson Tide will look to push the pace and score in transition, relying on their superior depth and explosiveness to break the game open. Brandon Miller will likely be the focal point of Alabama’s offense, with Mark Sears running the point and Noah Clowney providing the defensive presence in the paint.
For Green Bay, the key to success will be slowing down the game and preventing Alabama from getting into a rhythm. The Phoenix will need to limit turnovers, be disciplined defensively, and ensure that they’re contesting every shot. Trey Lewis and Javon Greene will need to play efficiently on offense, and Amari Davis will have to provide toughness inside.
If Green Bay can execute its game plan and force Alabama to play a more methodical game, they might have a chance to make this a close contest. However, Alabama’s talent and depth are overwhelming, and their speed and scoring ability could prove too much for the Phoenix to handle.