Alabama’s next opponent in the 2025 NCAA Tournament’s second round is **Iowa State**, after narrowly escaping a tough first-round win against Robert Morris.

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament heats up, the Alabama Crimson Tide find themselves on a collision course with the Iowa State Cyclones in the second round. After a nerve-wracking first-round victory over the Robert Morris Colonials, where the Crimson Tide managed to survive a near-upset, Alabama now faces a stiff challenge in Iowa State, a team that is well-coached, resilient, and ready to cause problems for a higher-seeded opponent.

The second-round matchup between Alabama and Iowa State promises to be a clash of styles, talent, and coaching acumen. The Crimson Tide, led by head coach Nate Oats, entered the tournament as one of the favorites to make a deep run, bolstered by a star-studded roster, including standout freshman Brandon Miller. However, Alabama’s struggle in the first round highlighted some vulnerabilities, especially in handling tight, high-pressure situations. On the other hand, Iowa State, under head coach T.J. Otzelberger, has been a tournament-tested squad with plenty of experience in close games.

This article delves into what Alabama will face in Iowa State, breaks down the key matchups, and examines the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, setting the stage for what could be an exciting and unpredictable second-round clash.

Alabama’s First-Round Struggles: A Wake-Up Call

The first-round game against Robert Morris was far from what Alabama fans had hoped for. The Crimson Tide were expected to dominate the 15-seed Colonials, but instead, they found themselves in a dogfight. Alabama’s offense struggled to get into a rhythm, especially early on, and their defense—usually a hallmark of their success—was occasionally lackluster. The team’s star player, Brandon Miller, was limited to just 12 points, and while he provided a couple of key baskets down the stretch, his performance was not at the elite level that had defined his season.

The slow start, combined with uncharacteristic mistakes and turnovers, gave Robert Morris a chance to take control of the game for long stretches. At halftime, Alabama trailed by five points, and it was clear that the Crimson Tide needed to make adjustments to avoid a major upset. Coach Nate Oats responded by tightening up the defense and pushing for a faster tempo in the second half, and Alabama managed to claw back into the game and win 74-71. However, the game revealed a few areas of concern for the Crimson Tide as they looked ahead to the next round.

For Alabama, the first-round performance served as a wake-up call. The team, which had dominated throughout the regular season, needed to rediscover its intensity and focus if they were going to make a deep run in the tournament. Iowa State, a team with a similar level of toughness and defensive prowess, would undoubtedly take advantage of any signs of weakness.

Iowa State: A Team Built for March Madness

While Alabama has the talent and high expectations to contend for the national title, Iowa State brings its own set of strengths to the table. The Cyclones, who are led by head coach T.J. Otzelberger, entered the tournament as a solid 7-seed, having earned a reputation for their resilience, strong defense, and ability to play well under pressure. Otzelberger, who took Iowa State to the Sweet Sixteen in 2023, has instilled a tough, disciplined mindset in his players, which makes them a dangerous opponent for any team.

Iowa State’s strength lies in its balance and depth. They are not reliant on a single star player, which makes them difficult to defend. Instead, the Cyclones play an unselfish brand of basketball, where every player understands their role and contributes to the team’s success. This well-rounded approach has allowed them to stay competitive against high-level opponents, and they’ve proven they can go toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the country.

Key players for Iowa State include Jaren Holmes, the team’s senior leader and top scorer. Holmes, who averaged 16.2 points per game during the season, is a dynamic guard with the ability to create for himself and others. His versatility on the offensive end makes him a matchup nightmare for defenders. Alongside him, Tamin Lipsey, a talented freshman guard, has been a revelation for the Cyclones. Lipsey is an elite defender and playmaker, and his ability to control the game tempo has been invaluable for Iowa State in the tournament.

Another key player for the Cyclones is Osun Osunniyi, a 6-foot-10 forward who provides Iowa State with a strong presence in the paint. Osunniyi is an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker, and his ability to protect the rim will be crucial when facing Alabama’s potent offense.

Iowa State’s defense is also one of its greatest assets. They employ a physical, hard-nosed style of defense, constantly applying pressure on the ball and making life difficult for opposing offenses. The Cyclones rank among the best in the nation in terms of defensive efficiency, and their ability to force turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses will be something Alabama needs to watch out for.

In their first-round matchup, Iowa State faced Kennesaw State, another lower-seeded team, and took care of business with a solid 80-68 victory. While they were never truly threatened, the game allowed Iowa State to find their rhythm and gain confidence heading into the second round. The Cyclones will be looking to carry that momentum into their showdown with Alabama.

Key Matchups: Alabama vs. Iowa State

The matchup between Alabama and Iowa State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament is intriguing for several reasons. Both teams play a brand of basketball that emphasizes defense, ball movement, and a team-first mentality, which should make for an exciting and competitive contest. Here are some key matchups that could determine the outcome of the game:

1. Brandon Miller vs. Jaren Holmes: A Battle of Stars

Alabama’s Brandon Miller and Iowa State’s Jaren Holmes are the respective leaders of their teams and will play a pivotal role in their squad’s success. Miller, a potential lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been the Crimson Tide’s most consistent scorer all season. At 6-foot-9, he is an exceptional shooter, rebounder, and defender, and his ability to create mismatches will be crucial for Alabama’s offense. If Miller can find his rhythm early, he has the potential to put Alabama in control of the game.

On the other side, Jaren Holmes has been the heart and soul of Iowa State’s offense. His scoring ability, leadership, and knack for hitting clutch shots make him a constant threat. Holmes will likely spend time guarding Miller, and this battle could go a long way in determining the outcome. If Holmes can limit Miller’s impact, it will make it much harder for Alabama to establish offensive flow.

2. Alabama’s Depth vs. Iowa State’s Balanced Attack

One of the main strengths of Alabama is its depth. With players like Noah Clowney, Mark Sears, and Rylan Griffen, Alabama has a plethora of options at their disposal. This depth allows them to rotate players and keep fresh legs on the court, especially during the frantic pace of March Madness.

However, Iowa State’s balance and team-oriented approach will present a challenge. Instead of relying on one or two players, the Cyclones share the ball and play a well-rounded brand of basketball. Players like Tamin Lipsey, Osun Osunniyi, and Caleb Grill can all contribute on both ends of the floor, making it difficult to game-plan against them. Alabama will need to focus on containing all of Iowa State’s key players, while Iowa State will look to exploit Alabama’s individual matchups and attack them with their balanced scoring.

3. Rebounding: A Key for Both Teams

In the NCAA Tournament, rebounding is always crucial. Both Alabama and Iowa State excel in this area, but the battle on the boards could be a key determining factor. Alabama, with the length and athleticism of players like Miller and Clowney, is a strong rebounding team. They will need to use their size and athleticism to control the glass against Iowa State, which is also a strong rebounding team, especially with Osunniyi patrolling the paint.

Iowa State’s ability to crash the boards, especially on the offensive end, could limit Alabama’s second-chance opportunities and create extra possessions for the Cyclones. If Alabama can dominate the boards, it will help them get out on the break and score in transition, which has been a key part of their success this season.

Keys to Victory for Alabama

To win this game, Alabama will need to make a few adjustments based on their first-round performance against Robert Morris. Here are some key areas where Alabama must improve:

• Defensive Intensity: Alabama’s defense has been one of their trademarks all season, but they need to bring more intensity in this game. Iowa State thrives on creating turnovers and disrupting opposing offenses, and Alabama will need to match that defensive intensity. Keeping Jaren Holmes in check and limiting Iowa State’s easy baskets will be crucial.
• Get Brandon Miller Going Early: Miller is the star player for Alabama, and getting him involved early is key. If he can find his rhythm in the first half, it will open up opportunities for other players on the team. Alabama’s offense runs best when Miller is playing at a high level, and getting him involved early in the game will be a priority.
• Rebound and Control the Pace: As mentioned earlier, rebounding will be a major factor in this game. Alabama needs to establish their dominance on the boards and limit Iowa State’s second-chance opportunities

. Additionally, the Crimson Tide should look to push the pace and play at their preferred tempo, where they can score in transition and catch Iowa State off guard.