Top-seeded Alabama is one weekend away from Houston and the program’s first Final Four. But before that, the Crimson Tide has to handle a well-built fifth-seed in San Diego State.

The Aztecs are led by longtime coach Brian Dutcher and feature a nine-player rotation. SDSU is one of the strongest defensive teams in the country and has held its last three opponents to their season-low in points: Utah State, College of Charleston and Furman. San Diego State’s leading scorer is senior guard Matt Bradley (13.0 points per game) followed by Seattle transfer Darrion Trammell (9.5 points).

Nate Oats and UA will counter with one of the nation’s best offenses led by star freshman Brandon Miller, who’s still recovering from an injured groin. The Tide features an elite defense of its own, too. Alabama hasn’t conceded more than 75 points in any of its five postseason contests. In that stretch, co-SEC Sixth Man of the year Jahvon Quinerly has entered the starting lineup for five wins.

Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m. CT in Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center. It will broadcast on TBS with Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel and Evan Washburn heading the broadcast team.

AL.com is courtside and will provide live updates throughout the Sweet 16 battle between the Tide and Aztecs. Alabama last made the Elite 8 in 2004.

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FIRST HALF

—Alabama wins the tip and a pick-and-roll gives Clowney a chance at an and-1 which he converted for an early lead.

PREGAME

—Pretty even split between Aztec and Crimson Tide fans. Alabama likely has more but it won’t be a de-facto home game like it was in Birmingham last weekend.

—The Tide rolled out the same starting five its done throughout the postseason: Mark Sears, Jahvon Quinerly, Charles Bediako, Noah Clowney and Brandon Miller.

—The Aztecs will go with Keshad Johnson, Lamont Butler, Darrion Trammell, Matt Bradley and Nathan Mensah to start.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].