The Alabama Crimson Tide and Hofstra Pride face off on March 20, 2026, in a NCAA Tournament first-round match. Alabama, led by head coach Nate Oats, enters as the fourth seed with a 23-9 record, while Hofstra comes in as the 13th seed, boasting a 24-10 record after winning the CAA championship. The game will take place at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, with tip-off scheduled for 3:15 PM ET. Fans can watch the game live on truTV or stream via platforms like Sling TV and HBO Max.

By the Numbers
  • Alabama's overall record: 23-9
  • Hofstra's overall record: 24-10
  • Current odds show Alabama with an 85% implied win probability over Hofstra's 15%
State of Play
  • Alabama is dealing with the suspension of star guard Aden Holloway.
  • Hofstra is entering the tournament with strong momentum from their CAA championship victory.
What's Next

Should Alabama win, they will advance further in the tournament, potentially enhancing their postseason prospects. Hofstra, on the other hand, hopes to pull off an upset, which would mark a significant achievement for their program after a long absence from the tournament.

Bottom Line

This matchup presents Alabama as a strong favorite, but Hofstra's resilience and recent success could make for an exciting clash. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Alabama can adapt without Holloway while Hofstra tries to leverage their momentum.