Alabama's impressive run in the NCAA Tournament continued as they secured a thrilling 89-87 victory over No. 1 seed North Carolina, advancing to the Elite Eight for only the second time in school history. The Crimson Tide's mantra of focusing on the next play and the next game proved successful as they outlasted the Tar Heels in a closely contested matchup.
Grant Nelson emerged as a key player for Alabama, scoring a season-high 24 points, including a crucial three-point play in the final minute to give his team the lead. Nelson's defensive prowess was also on display with 12 rebounds and five blocks, including a game-saving block on RJ Davis' layup attempt.
Rylan Griffen and Aaron Estrada contributed 19 points each for the Tide, helping secure the hard-fought victory. Mark Sears, Alabama's leading scorer, overcame a slow start to finish with 18 points, praising Nelson for his dominant performance.
Alabama will now face sixth-seeded Clemson in the Elite Eight, with a chance to advance to the Final Four on the line. The Tide's head coach, Nate Oats, commended his team for peaking at the right time and displaying a competitive spirit when it mattered most.
Despite a valiant effort from North Carolina, led by Armando Bacot's 19 points and 12 rebounds, the Tar Heels fell just short of a comeback in the closing seconds. UNC coach Hubert Davis, a former standout player for the Tar Heels, expressed disappointment at the missed opportunities but praised his team's effort throughout the game.
Alabama's victory marks a historic moment for the program, which last reached the Elite Eight in 2004. With a chance to make their first-ever Final Four appearance, the Crimson Tide are poised to continue their impressive tournament run and make a lasting impact on college basketball.
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