After losing in the Final Four, Alabama is trying to take a page out of UConn’s book

By ADAM ZAGORIA

After losing to UConn in last year’s Final Four, Alabama is trying to take a page out of the Huskies’ book.

Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears, the SEC Preseason Player of the Year, said Alabama wants to be “bulletproof” this season after hearing UConn use that mantra en route to its second straight national championship.

“We’re trying to be bulletproof like have no weakness,” Sears said per Alabama reporter Chris McCullery. “That’s something when we went against UCONN we heard them say and they were the truth, they were hard to stop. We want to be that but in our own way.”

UConn beat Alabama, 86-72, in the national semifinals last season before taking out Zach Edey and Purdue, 75-60, in the national championship game.

Mark Sears on how he would describe the team this year that's loaded in talent @abc3340

"We're trying to be bulletproof like have no weakness. That's something when we went against UCONN we heard them say and they were the truth, they were hard to stop. We want to be that but… pic.twitter.com/WStb4mzael

— Chris McCulley (@ChrisMcCulleyTV) October 15, 2024

Alabama is the preseason No. 2 team in the nation (behind Kansas) and was picked to win the SEC behind Sears and Second-Team All-SEC selection Grant Nelson.

In the last four years under coach Nate Oats, the Tide has reached a Final Four and two Sweet 16s. Is this the year they break out and win it all?

UConn, meantime, is the preseason No. 3 and is seeking to become the first team since UCLA to three-peat.

New-look @UConnMBB routed @RhodyMBB 102-75 in an exhibition

Solo Ball – 18 points, 3-of-6 from distance, 5 boards Aidan Mahaney – 17 points
Alex Karaban – 13 points, 8 rebs, 4 asts
Liam McNeeley – 10 pts, 4 rebs
Tarris Reed Jr. – 8 points and a team-high 10 rebounds https://t.co/16rCINT7RQ

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) October 15, 2024

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