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Crimson Tide returns to Elite 8 for first time in two decades
Alabama fans may have expected the Crimson Tide to return to the Elite 8 while Nate Oats was in charge of the program but not many thought that return would happen this season. A Sweet 16 matchup with top seed North Carolina was the biggest challenge of the tournament so far.
But Thursday night’s final buzzer sounded in Los Angeles and it was the Tide on the right side of the scoreboard. Here’s what you may have missed:
- #4 Alabama 89, #1 North Carolina 87
- Grant Nelson: 24 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks
- Alabama: 11/26 on 3-pointers
- Alabama’s second Sweet 16 win in program history, first since 2004
How it happened
North Carolina got off to a quick start and led by double digits in the first half. Alabama cut into that lead but the Tar Heels pushed the lead back to eight points by halftime, quickly calming the hopes of an upset for Crimson Tide fans.
But Alabama stormed back behind its defensive play and eventually held a five-point lead with under four minutes to go. UNC erased that lead but the Tide responded, taking the final lead of the game on a bucket from Grant Nelson. He made one free throw and blocked a last second heave from the Tar Heels to secure the win.
What’s next?
Alabama moves to the Elite 8 for the second time in program history and for the first time since 2004. The Crimson Tide will be searching for its first ever trip to the Final Four!
Here’s what you need to know for Alabama’s next game.
- Who: #4 Alabama vs. #6 Clemson
- When: Saturday, March 30 at 7:39 PM central time
- Where: Los Angeles, California
- Watch: TBS
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