Alabama able to hold off the top-seeded Tar Heels
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alabama’s mantra for this NCAA Tournament is next — as in the next play, next game, next everything. What’s next for the Crimson Tide is the second Elite Eight in school history.
Grant Nelson converted a go-ahead three-point play with 38 seconds remaining, and Alabama became the first team in this year’s tournament to oust a No. 1 seed, beating North Carolina 89-87 on Thursday night.
“These guys are bringing their competitive side out at the right time,” Tide coach Nate Oats said. “You want to be peaking in March and we’re peaking in March.”
Nelson finished with a seasonhigh 24 points, 19 in the second half, and he blocked RJ Davis’ attempt at a tying layup after giving Alabama the lead. He had 12 rebounds and five blocks.
“I thought I had an advantage on Nelson and he was able to swat it,” Davis said.
Rylan Griffen added 19 points, tying his career high with five 3-pointers, and Aaron Estrada also scored 19 for the fourth-seeded Crimson Tide (24-11).
The Tide face sixth-seeded Clemson on Saturday for a berth in the Final Four. The Tigers defeated second-seeded Arizona 77-72 in the first semifinal at Crypto.com Arena.
“We’ve been working for this all season but this isn’t our end goal,” said Nelson, a 6-foot-11 senior who played at North Dakota State his first three years.
Mark Sears, Alabama’s leading scorer this season, finished with 18 points after making just two field goals in the second half when Nelson dominated.
“I was very proud of him,” Sears said. “He was struggling the first two games. To see him carry us, it was very amazing.”
After Nelson blocked Davis’ shot with 25 seconds left, Davis furiously dribbled around before missing a layup and the Tar Heels got called for a shot-clock violation with 8 seconds left. They were forced to foul, sending Nelson to the line. He calmly made both for an 89-85 lead.
Armando Bacot scored inside with 1 second left, leaving North Carolina trailing 89-87. The Tar Heels fouled Nelson again with 0.9 seconds left. He missed both and time expired on the blueblood Tar Heels, who own six national championships.
“I’m definitely hurt. I think we all are a little shocked,” Bacot said. “Felt like we hand a chance to win the national championship this year.”
Bacot finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds in his final game for UNC (29-8). Cormac Ryan had 17 points and made five 3-pointers and Davis had 16 points. Davis was 4 of 20 from the floor and missed all nine of his 3-point attempts.
“I just wasn’t good enough, missed a lot of easy shots that I normally make,” Davis said, his voice trailing off as he lowered his head and rubbed his eyes.