Former Alabama head coach Avery Johnson has made a bold prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament, picking No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s to upset No. 4 seed Alabama in the Round of 32. Johnson, who led the Crimson Tide from 2015 to 2019, believes the Gaels’ disciplined style and defensive toughness could spell trouble for his former team.
Saint Mary’s, a perennial contender from the West Coast Conference, is known for its methodical pace and efficiency under head coach Randy Bennett. Johnson pointed to their ability to control tempo and limit possessions as key factors in a potential upset. “Alabama thrives in an up-tempo game, but Saint Mary’s has the ability to slow it down and make every possession count,” Johnson said during a tournament analysis segment.
Alabama, led by head coach Nate Oats, continues to rely on a high-powered offense and three-point shooting. However, inconsistency and defensive lapses have plagued them throughout the season. Johnson believes Saint Mary’s can exploit those weaknesses, especially if Alabama struggles from beyond the arc.
The matchup presents a contrast in styles, with Alabama’s fast-paced attack clashing against Saint Mary’s deliberate, half-court approach. If the Gaels can dictate the tempo and force Alabama into a grind-it-out game, Johnson’s upset prediction could come to fruition.
Johnson’s pick has drawn mixed reactions, with Alabama fans confident in their team’s talent and firepower. However, Saint Mary’s has a history of knocking off top programs in March, making them a legitimate threat. Whether Johnson’s prediction holds true remains to be seen, but this potential Round of 32 clash is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s most intriguing ma
tchups.
