West Region: Tough schedule preps 'Bama for NCAA Tournament

Notre Dame players celebrate after defeating Rutgers 89-87 in double overtime in a First Four game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament, early Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Notre Dame's Paul Atkinson Jr. dunks against Rutgers during the second overtime of a First Four game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in Dayton, Ohio. Notre Dame won 89-87 in double overtime. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)

Notre Dame's Paul Atkinson Jr. scores against Rutgers' Clifford Omoruyi, back, and Geo Baker in the final seconds of the second overtime of a First Four game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament, early Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Dayton, Ohio. Notre Dame won 89-87 in double overtime. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)

Montana State forward Jubrile Belo and guard Amin Adamu (5) celebrate the team's win over Northern Colorado in an NCAA college basketball game for the championship of the Big Sky men's tournament in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, March 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Vanderbilt guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (2) shoots over Alabama guard Jaden Shackelford (5) during the second half of an NCAA men's college basketball Southeastern Conference tournament game Thursday, March 10, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Alabama guard Jaden Shackelford (5) drives around Vanderbilt 's Scotty Pippen Jr. during the first half of an NCAA men's college basketball Southeastern Conference tournament game Thursday, March 10, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)