NCAA Tournament Second Round Live Thread and #2 Alabama vs #10 Maryland Game Thread

The upsets have continued into Day Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament, with Iowa falling victim to Oregon in what has become an embarrassment for the Big Ten and a showcase for the PAC-12. With the staggered starts beginning at 4:15 PM CDT, I decided to go ahead and post an open thread for the rest of the day.

But we all know this is really about the Tide. Alabama and Maryland will tip at 7:45 PM CDT in the penultimate game of the first weekend. The Crimson Tide got the match-up it wanted when the Terrapins upset UConn, but that doesn’t mean a victory will come easily. It is the NCAA Tournament after all, and the underdogs seem to be on steroids this year.

If you haven’t gotten the opportunity yet, check out my preview for tonight’s showdown with the Terps. This should be a fun battle tonight. Josh Primo is still considered day-to-day with his knee injury, but I would be surprised to see him suit up tonight. Expect the same starting five as Saturday: John Petty, Herbert Jones, Jaden Shackelford, Keon Ellis, and Jordan Bruner, with a hefty dose of Jahvon Quinerly, Alex Reese, and Juwan Gary off of the bench.

The Tide is favored by ~6 points depending on when and where you get it. The game will be televised on TNT tonight, but you can always listen to the electric Chris Stewart on the Crimson Tide Sports Network, as well. Can Alabama secure a spot in the Sweet Sixteen?