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Alabama Announces Blockbuster Matchup Against Legendary Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Harris | Last updated May 8, 2025 2:25 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide are looking to build off a disappointing end to their 2024-25 college basketball campaign as they got overwhelmed in the Elite Eight against the Duke Blue Devils.

Losing sharpshooters Mark Sears and Labaron Philon are pieces that need to be filled, and can expect head coach Nate Oats shape his roster to make another deep run next year.

They have announced a blockbuster matchup that is going to be scheduled for the 2026-27 season.

At Madison Square Garden on November 8, Oats and the Crimson Tide will be taking on the St. John's Red Storm, led by legendary head coach Rick Pitino.

Pitino most recently shared Coach of the Year honors with Auburn Tigers coach Bruce Pearl, and has turned around St. John's to be one of college basketball's top schools.

The Red Storm had their magical run end early at the hands of John Calipari's ferocious Arkansas team, who eventually fell to Texas Tech in the Sweet 16.

In the 26-27 season, Pitino and Oats will battle in one of the nation's top venues at MSG.

Oats and Pitino have faced off just twice with each coach winning a game. Oats started off 1-0 after his No. 2 seed Tide defeated Pitino's No. 15 seed Iona Gaels in the 2020-21 NCAA Tournament.

Pitino got his revenge during an invitational that following November thanks to some magic from Walter Clayton Jr. off the bench, who later transferred to Florida and won a national championship.

The meeting in 2026 will be the third meeting, and with two top programs in St. John's and Alabama, will make for an intense meeting that will prepare both teams for a title run later in the year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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