With the way they’ve been playing for the past few months, the Alabama Crimson Tide seem like the team to beat in the NCAA Tournament. Ahead of the Sweet 16, one analyst believes that only two of the other 15 teams have a shot at beating them.
Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN’s Rece Davis asserted that Houston and UConn are the two teams that can beat the Crimson Tide. He believes that Alabama have “more answers” than any other team, but that in terms of potential, the Cougars and Huskies can still beat them.
“The only two teams that – if Alabama plays to their potential – can also play to their (own) potential and beat them are, in my judgement, UConn and Houston. Those two teams could probably do it,” Davis said.
Davis explained that Houston is one of the best defensive teams in the country and can overcome any scoring difficulties while UConn has more guys who are capable of stepping up and contributing.
“I think UConn and Houston are the two teams that could beat Alabama”@ReceDavis #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/gAGptPGjT1
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 22, 2023
As of writing, most sports books have Alabama as a narrow favorite to win the NCAA Tournament over Houston. UConn and UCLA are about tied as far as their odds go.
Judging by the odds, sports books don’t seem to have a high opinion of the teams that Alabama could face in the Sweet 16, the Elite Eight or even the Final Four.
Are Houston and UConn really the only teams that can beat Alabama?