Alabama’s stinging loss to Auburn may linger, but Coach Nate Oats has no luxury to dwell. The No. 4 Crimson Tide now confronts one of college basketball’s toughest stretches: seven straight games against ranked opponents to close the regular season. This brutal slate, featuring matchups with No. 15 Missouri and No. 17 Kentucky this week, could redefine NCAA Tournament seeding and SEC supremacy.
“It’s not an easy stretch [and] probably the hardest seven-game stretch of anybody in the country,” Oats admitted after the Auburn game. With three home and three road games remaining, Alabama must navigate opponents like No. 6 Tennessee, No. 21 Mississippi State, and a revenge clash with No. 2 Auburn. Only No. 14 Michigan State shares a comparable challenge, with five ranked teams left.
“The Alabama schedule that they have in front of them is absolutely incredible,” said NCAA selection committee chair Bubba Cunningham.
While teams like No. 3 Duke and No. 18 Clemson face three or fewer ranked foes, Alabama’s path stands apart. The Tide’s resilience will be tested in critical games:
- Feb. 21: at No. 15 Missouri
- Feb. 24: vs. No. 17 Kentucky
- Feb. 28: at No. 6 Tennessee
Currently projected as a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed, Alabama must protect its 10-2 SEC record against surging contenders. Meanwhile, No. 7 Texas A&M and Michigan State face similar trials, but no team’s schedule packs more March Madness momentum swings than Alabama’s. Every game now carries tournament-seeding weight – a reality Oats is embracing.
