SDSU vs. Alabama Analysis

Don't sleepy on these feisty Aztecs

A lot like yesterday, and many of these funky tourney matchups, this just comes down to style of play when deciding how I want to bet.

The Aztecs want to wear teams out. They play at a slow tempo, and they are defensively-minded. They contest 3-pt. shots like demons and rate 4th in 3P% allowed while also limiting good looks in the paint.

Alabama almost exclusively works in both of the areas that the Aztec defense can count as a strength. Alabama shoots a three or gets to the rim for a tad over 90% of their shots which is the second-highest rate in the country. They are a team that has embraced the analytics movement so popular in the NBA and it has turned them into an offensive powerhouse.

San Diego State hasn't had a problem controlling the tempo of games against either Charleston or Furman who both look to push the pace much like Alabama will be looking to do. I think they will be able to grind this game down as well.

Given the strength of the defense and their ability to control tempo, I think the Aztecs can hang within the number and give Alabama a fight. Alabama is probably the best team in the country, but this is just an awful matchup for them. Upset alert time.