UConn and Alabama have much different Final Four histories, but they square off in 2024 with the same goal in mind.
The No. 1 Huskies are the reigning national champions and can win back-to-back titles for the first time since Florida accomplished that feat in 2006-07. No. 4 Alabama, however, is in its first ever Final Four in program history.
Experience certainly plays a role in the postseason, but it’s not the only contributing factor. The Crimson Tide (25-11) won’t be relying on Final Four experience. Instead, they’ll ride their high-scoring offense in hopes of punching their ticket to the national championship.
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Mark Sears leads Alabama with 21.5 points. 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game on 50.4 percent field-goal shooting and 43.4 3-point shooting. He’s a major reason the Crimson Tide lead the nation in points per game (90.6), rank second in offensive rating and third in adjusted offensive efficiency.
The Huskies (35-3) also boast a high-powered offense, ranking first in offensive rating and adjusted offensive efficiency. The major difference is that UConn also has an elite defense, ranking fourth in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom.
Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer lead a dangerous backcourt that also features freshman Stephon Castle. All three average double-figure points per game, and are joined by 7-2 center Donovan Clingan in the starting five.
Clingan brings elite paint protection, while remaining mobile for a player his size.
The Crimson Tide have their hands full with a strong UConn squad that has blown out every opponent so far in the NCAA Tournament. Aaron Estrada, Grant Nelson, Rylan Griffen and Latrell Wrightsell will need to continue aiding Sears if Alabama wants to reach the title game.
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UConn vs. Alabama score
| 1 | 2 | F | |
| UConn | – | – | – |
| Alabama | – | – | – |
UConn vs. Alabama live updates, results, highlights from 2024 Final Four
(All times Eastern).
9:20 p.m. — UConn is attacking the paint a lot more since Clingan returned after settling for a lot of outside jumpers earlier. It’s proved to be fruitful thus far as the Huskies are getting to the line more often and finding easy buckets.
9:14 p.m. — BIG FINISH! Clingan’s hand looks fine as he rocks the rim in transition and that quick run from the big guy forces Nate Oats to call for time as UConn regains the lead. The Huskies might have to give Clingan the Zach Edey treatment and keep him in for the rest of the game.
CLING KONG 👑 #MadeForMarch | #MixForSix pic.twitter.com/W3cFka3XCw
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) April 7, 2024
9:13 p.m. — Like clockwork, Clingan is back and has already scored. He does have a bandage on his hand, however, which is worth monitoring going forward.
9:10 p.m. — And it’s time for another TV timeout. Alabama is controlling this game and making shots. They’re 5/7 from downtown and we’ll probably see Clingan back out of this timeout to stabilize UConn.
9:07 p.m. — Alabama has the lead! A three from Latrell Wrightsell Jr. puts the Tide in front and now the Huskies really are in unfamiliar territory.
Latrell Wrightsell gives Alabama the lead 👀#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/rmaf78jhcr
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2024
9:05 p.m. — Welcome to the party, Mark Sears. He collects his first two points of the game to knot it up at 15 apiece. UConn is having to fight for this one, a spot they haven’t really been in during the tournament yet.
9:03 p.m. — Grant Nelson has picked up his second foul for the Crimson Tide, leading to an early departure. Clingan also heads to the bench for a breather with the Alabama big guy out in foul trouble.
8:56 p.m. — The two sides are trading punches on the offensive end to start. The threes are falling for both sides, but UConn has a 13-8 lead at our first timeout of the evening with 15:31 to go in the opening half.
8:53 p.m. — Clingan block counter: 2.
8:52 p.m. — DO NOT GO IN THERE! Donovan Clingan kicks this game off the way he started the last one — blocking shots.
8:51 p.m. — UConn controls the opening tip and we are underway from Phoenix!
The second game of the #MFinalFour is underway!#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/V6WYnlq0yA
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2024
8:48 p.m. — Neither team is planning on reinventing the wheel tonight with their starting lineups, sticking with what got them here.
Starting ✋ vs. UConn. pic.twitter.com/tYxhxLulSk
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) April 7, 2024
Tonight’s 🖐️#MadeForMarch | #MixForSix pic.twitter.com/FU2wIqbvWQ
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) April 7, 2024
And here is how it looked on the broadcast for each team.
Introducing the Alabama Crimson Tide 🙌#MarchMadness @AlabamaMBB pic.twitter.com/c3Z7YQiq4w
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2024
Introducing the defending champion UConn Huskies 😤#MarchMadness @UConnMBB pic.twitter.com/PItFGteeGu
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2024
8:40 p.m. — The pregame warmups will soon turn to game action.
Almost time ⏰#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/aRM5qOPO2S
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) April 7, 2024
Gearing 🆙 #MadeForMarch | #MixForSix pic.twitter.com/VjERarHuIr
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) April 7, 2024
8:30 p.m. — If UConn fans need a reason to be nervous, look no further than NC State. The Wolfpack sent both the men’s and women’s teams to the Final Four, only to see both of them lose. The UConn women lost to Iowa on Friday night. Could that spell doom for the Huskies?
8:20 p.m. — The betting odds aren’t giving Alabama much of a chance in this contest. BetMGM has UConn as a 10.5 point favorite and -600 on the moneyline, meaning you’d need to bet $ 600 just to win another $ 100.
8:10 p.m. — It’ll be a tall task for the Crimson Tide to win this game against the juggernaut that is UConn, who has consistently embarrassed the opposition throughout the tournament. But Alabama’s offense gives them hope, especially if their three point shooting doesn’t betray them. The winner will go on to face Purdue, who is playing for their first championship since 1969.
8:02 p.m. — UConn is going with the classic white jerseys for tonight’s contest. It’s a clean look and means we should get Alabama in their signature crimson threads, making for an elite jersey matchup on the floor.
Patch official.#MadeForMarch | #MixForSix pic.twitter.com/QTDEsImAXm
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) April 7, 2024
7:10 p.m. — We are still a ways from the opening tip, but Dan Hurley is already making headlines for his entrance. He doesn’t look like a coach that is nervous, that’s for sure. Nate Oats has his work cut out for him tonight.
Dan Hurley looking COOL as a CUCUMBER pic.twitter.com/tCRXa9buRm
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 6, 2024
7 p.m. — The Tide are making their first Final Four appearance in school history, meaning this is one trip down memory lane Alabama fans will want to relive.
The Tide has rolled allllll the way to a National Semifinal.
Relive @alabamaMBB’s thrilling win over Clemson. pic.twitter.com/EdoDCbARBr
— March Madness Men’s Basketball TV (@MM_MBB_TV) April 6, 2024
6:30 p.m. — While UConn might have the history on the hardwood, Alabama has the gridiron and they are showing their support ahead of tonight’s Final Four action.
Keep it ROLLIN’ 🙌@AlabamaMBB #RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/aTVCyhlpSk
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) April 6, 2024
6 p.m. — As if you needed another reason to get hyped up for tonight’s contest, look no further than this.
It’s time to show the world the heart of a Husky.#MadeForMarch | #MixForSix pic.twitter.com/B9qH88yt6h
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) April 6, 2024
𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙉𝙤𝙬
Narrated by @ReceDavis pic.twitter.com/b6hicmeUHt
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) April 6, 2024
5:30 p.m. — Sometimes the biggest underdogs in March Madness are the coaches who scratched and clawed to get here. As Nate Oats gets his Crimson Tide rolling into the Final Four, he looks back on the road to get here.
“Sometimes I pinch myself.”@AlabamaMBB head coach Nate Oats went from crashing on couches to see the Final Four to leading his team on the court in one.
And his team is rallying around him. pic.twitter.com/6IsIbvOzDp
— March Madness Men’s Basketball TV (@MM_MBB_TV) April 6, 2024
UConn vs. Alabama start time
- Date: Saturday, April 6
- Time: 8:49 p.m. ET
UConn and Alabama will play the second Final Four game at 8:49 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 6 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
How to watch UConn vs. Alabama
- TV channel: TBS
- Livestream: Sling
Fans can tune into the Final Four on TBS at 8:49 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Cable cutters can stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home for sports fans, as it offers a wide range of channels. You can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
Final Four schedule 2024
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Livestream |
| No. 1 Purdue vs. No. 11 NC State | 6:09 p.m. | TBS/Sling |
| No. 1 UConn vs. No. 4 Alabama | 8:49 p.m. | TBS/Sling |
