What did Alabama say about Texas before its second-round showdown?

On Sunday evening, the Texas and Alabama basketball teams will play for a spot in the Sweet 16.

After beating Drexel and Florida State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, top-seeded Texas (31-4) and No. 8 Alabama (24-9) will battle at Moody Center at 5 p.m. Texas is looking to secure a trip to the third round of the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the last four years. Alabama is attempting to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1998.

Alabama and Texas haven't played since 1984. But that doesn't mean that Alabama is unfamiliar with UT's work. In the lead-up to Sunday's showdown, what did the Crimson Tide say about Texas at the Alabama press conferences?

Alabama guard Aaliyah Nye on facing Texas

"Obviously they're the No. 1 team for a reason, so I think we're just going to go and look at film. I know they're a big presence defensively. They're a good defensive team. I think we're just going to continue to do what we do, as well. I know we have to rebound and we have to execute on offense."

Alabama guard Sarah Ashlee Barker on the Texas defense

"I think when it comes to Texas, they're an aggressive team on the offensive end and on the defensive end. They deny you really hard. They're really good, defensively sound. We know they're going to play really, really hard, and so I think that it's really just about taking care of the ball. They really force their opponents to turn the ball over.

"From a defensive standpoint, they're just going to be in the gaps the whole game. They're going to have their length, they're going to use their length, and we have to be able to just try and attack and not be afraid to take it to the hoop because of their length."

Alabama coach Kristy Curry on Texas freshman Madison Booker

"(With Madison) being from Mississippi, I had a chance to watch her in summer AAU ball. I can't probably tell you − it's a bunch. You know, then the opportunity to see her from an international experience perspective, I think she is incredibly talented. I think a lot of that is she's more talented beyond her years because of her international experience.

"She's got great size. The one (thing) is how selfless she is. She would rather share the ball than look to score. Whatever a team needs, she's really found a way to do that. I'm not shocked, I'm not surprised. I know Vic had a chance to build a relationship with her in Mississippi.

"She's just really, really, really special talent. I'm excited to see what she does in the future. I think she will just, again, add another layer of talent and special players in the SEC, as will the entire program. We're excited to welcome them to the SEC. Might as well get used to this so we can get a step ahead. Let's get started in the spring to get ready for next January."

Curry on Texas coach Vic Schaefer and his defensive philosophy

"Well, they love to really be disruptive and physical. They're so good, defending the first pass, and there's such a great help side. They love to take charges at all five possessions. They're just so well-coached. I've often just wanted to see if he'll let me come to practice to see how he teaches defense because it's incredibly special. I just have so much respect for him.

"He's just really a good friend, and I have a lot of respect for the way he runs his program."

Curry on Texas assistant coach Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton (who she coached at Purdue)

"I can see right now sitting in her living room, the exact couch, the exact living room. She had little sisters running around. Her high school coach, unbelievable. Man, she came out in that same class with Candace Parker. To be a first-round draft pick, to have the opportunity to coach her for four years. One of the first texts I got the other day, I can't wait to see you, coach.

"She's one of the brightest and best that our game has to offer. Tremendous role model. We talk about wins, I understand that. Those are wins to me. To see these young ladies go on and be successful like Lindsay, I'm so incredibly proud of her. She has a bright future, future head coach in our game."