Alabama and San Diego State identify as defense-first teams with depth. But to a few players, that’s where the similarities end.

Crimson Tide freshman Noah Clowney wouldn’t go into specifics but said the teams do “different things” to smother offenses. Junior guard Micah Parrish said the Aztecs play heavier in the gaps and are more willing to help a teammate on a rotation as opposed to Alabama funneling the ball inside to the paint and center Charles Bediako.

Parrish’s teammate, senior forward Jaedon LeDee, summarized the competing philosophies the best he could ahead of the Sweet 16.

“We made it to the second weekend just like they did, LeDee said. “… I think (Alabama’s defense) is a lot of talent and a lot of aggression. Ours is with that with some skill and some tactical stuff our coaches put in.”

Alabama (31-5) is ranked third in adjusted-defensive efficiency per KenPom while the Aztecs (29-6) are fifth in the same category. The No. 1 seed Crimson Tide are favored over fifth-seeded San Diego State for Friday night’s NCAA Tournament game by 7.5 points. But neither side bought into outside predictions in the KFC Yum! Center during its pregame media availability on Thursday.

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As Maryland attempted in the second round, San Diego State will try to slow the pace down and force Alabama to operate in a half-court offense. The Aztecs will try to generate quick buckets too, but limiting Alabama’s chances is a priority, according to players. Head coach Brian Dutcher said his team can switch matchups on screens, and double-team shooters, but most importantly, it can adjust to its opponent.

“We have enough humility to say we’re not going to just bully everybody and win this way,” Dutcher said. “We’re coaches, and we change game plans, and we have a group that’s old and mature enough to adjust to a game plan if we make a change.

“I don’t think we’ll try to play a Gonzaga game where it’s 100-90 final score. We play good defense. We’ll try to control the tempo. And like I always say, if we can turn it into a half-court game — and this is no matter who we play, Mountain West games, whatever — you know, I like our chances.”

Tide head coach Nate Oats previewed the dilemma Butcher and his defense will have limiting Alabama: If you help when a ball-handler drives to the rim, a shooter can spot up along the 3-point line. If help doesn’t come, then a guard has a lane for a layup.

Oats also mentioned the difference in experience among the team’s players. Alabama can flex an 11-man rotation compared to San Diego State’s nine, but between Brandon Miller, Noah Clowney and others, a few Tide starters are getting their first taste of March. Oats compared the age gap to the NBA Draft. Pro teams often select prospects based on their upside which benefits younger talents. Some of those players end up being “pretty good,” Oats said.

Alabama’s length has caused teams issues all season and that’s what immediately popped out to San Diego State’s Nathan Mensah when he watched film this week. Mensah, the reigning Mountain West Conference defensive player of the year, said it’s hard to adjust when the Tide can have four 3-point shooters on the court at any time.

“They got size,” Mensah said. “They make sure they use that advantage and everybody tries to play through Brandon Miller. That’s a big piece that we have to watch over.”

Miller, who said he’s at 100% despite an injured groin, scored 19 points last weekend and looked like one of the best stars in the country. Mensah and senior guard Adam Seiko mentioned how Miller can’t be given one-on-one opportunities and part of the Aztecs’ half-court strategy is to ensure whenever Miller touches the ball it’s one versus five.

Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT and will air on TBS.

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