With the first week of March Madness officially in the books, what started off with 64 teams is now down to 16. #1 Seed North Carolina (29-7) and #4 Seed Alabama (23-11) were two teams that came out of the first weekend with much praise. Now, the two will face off head to head in a heated West Region Sweet 16 matchup.

The Tar Heels are hotter than ever after an 85-69 win against a gritty Michigan State team. Led by Guard RJ Davis, the senior has been lights-out this year for the Heels and it hasn’t stopped in March, averaging 21.3 Points, 3.6 Rebounds, and 3.4 Assists per game. The 6’0” NBA Prospect led the Heels in scoring through the first 2 rounds, putting up 20 points vs #16 Wagner and 22 points vs #9 Michigan St. The superstar will look to carry on his historic run tonight against Alabama.

UNC isn’t just a one-man show though. 5th-year Senior Forward Armando Bacot has played a huge role for the Heels, especially in March. “I Thought Alabama did a good job on that game plan of defending Grand Canyon’s actions. Obviously, the way Alabama can score the ball, the defense doesn’t even really matter.” 4x All-ACC Armando Bacot’s thoughts previewing their upcoming matchup vs the Tide. 

On the other side of the matchup is #4 Alabama, Head Coach Nate Oats, and the Tide have prevailed through various trials and now sit on the big stage with a chance to make history. The Crimson Tide have one of the most fire-powering offenses in the country, averaging a league-high 90.8 points per game. Mark Sears, a 6’1” guard, has tailed 56 total points in the first two games of March Madness, ranking 2nd amongst remaining active tournament players. In contrast, Alabama stands dead last in defense as they allow the most points per game amongst any team in the Sweet 16.  

“North Carolina is one of the best teams in the country, and the number one seed deservedly. They’ve got a lot of talented guys, and we’ve got our hands full. Our defense is going to have to be a lot better than it’s been most of the year.” Alabama Head Coach Nate Oats said in his pregame presser vs. UNC. 

The Tar Heels are the favorite in this one, but if the Tide can get off to a quick start, a different predicted outcome could become reality. Regardless, fans nationwide couldn’t have asked for a more electric Sweet 16 Matchup, and only time will tell who will come out on top. 

You can watch the game at 9:54 p.m. EST on CBS.