By SAM LANCE
It was the Grant Nelson show down the stretch of No. 4 Alabama’s 89-87 win over No. 1 North Carolina to advance to the Elite Eight.
The senior transfer forward from North Dakota State scored 15 of Alabama’s last 22 points and willed the Tide down the stretch with several clutch buckets. For the game, Nelson had a double-double with 24 points (tied season-high) and 12 rebounds. Nelson shot 6-of-9 from the field, 2-of-2 from 3 and 10-of-13 from the free throw line.
“Charles Barkley called us frail,” Alabama coach Nate Oats said on CBS postgame. “I don’t think [Nelson] was frail tonight. He showed up tonight.” Nelson’s biggest bucket was probably his and-1 layup and free throw make with 38.6 seconds left to put Alabama up 87-85. On North Carolina’s final possession, Nelson was a pest on defense and blocked point guard RJ Davis before stopping him again and forcing a shot clock violation. The senior from Devils Lake (ND) also hit two free throws to go up 89-85 and ultimately seal the game. This is just the second time in school history Alabama has advanced to the Elite Eight and the first time since 2004. Oats had previously been to the Sweet Sixteen twice since becoming Alabama’s coach in 2019-20 and lost both games. He will now be coaching in the Elite Eight for the first time. “Just this team coming together, battling adversity all season, it’s a great time to come together,” Nelson said. “And start playing some defense.” Nelson credited the win to the Crimson Tide’s tough non-conference schedule and learning from those early season losses. Three other Alabama players finished in double figures in guards Aaron Estrada (19 points), Rylan Griffen (19 points) and Mark Sears (18 points). No. 4 Alabama will play No. 6 Clemson on Saturday, March 30 at 8:49 p.m. ET for a chance at the Final Four in Phoenix. Follow Sam Lance on Twitter Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookGRANT NELSON!!! pic.twitter.com/8fjjqJGR9g
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) March 29, 2024
