Michigan and Alabama are known for their football programs, but their basketball teams are amazing, too. Here’s the CFN Sweet 16 prediction and preview.

What are the three keys to the Wolverines beating the Crimson Tide?

ANN ARBOR — Michigan is back in the Sweet 16, this time as the favorite. The No. 1 seed Wolverines play 4 seed Alabama in Chicago (7:35 p.m. ET, TBS) trying to go at least one more step than they did last year.

Michigan’s methodical precision will face off against Alabama’s high-flying pace, setting up a classic showdown with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line.

Alabama basketball survived and advanced on Sunday, taking down Texas Tech in the NCAA tournament’s round of 32. The Crimson Tide faces a tougher challenge next up, when it takes on Michigan in the Sweet 16.

Catch the March 27 Michigan Wolverines vs. Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball game with ticket info, start time, stats and how to view

Michigan and Alabama will play the first game in Chicago on Friday. The Wolverines and Crimson Tide will tip at 7:35 p.m. ET on TBS/truTV in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. Andrew Catalon will serve as the play-by-play broadcaster alongside analyst Steve Lappas and sideline reporter Evan Washburn.

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Michigan basketball faces an Alabama Crimson Tide team that has attempted 78 3-pointers (and made 31) in two NCAA Tournament games this month.

Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats started his basketball coaching career at Romulus High School, just 25 minutes from Michigan basketball's arena.

Labaron Philon Jr. and the No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide take on the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines in a Sweet 16 matchup on Friday. Philon has been a big reason for the Crimson Tide's success this season.