Take a breath... it has only been 20 years since any of us have witnessed this happen. Has it been an easier road this year? Yes. Should anyone care? No. Alabama defeated blue blood North Carolina for the second straight year, except this one put Alabama into the Elite Eight and ended North Carolina's season.
This was a true team effort. Alabama was down Latrell Wrightsell for this game and that was when people started doubting (myself included). UNC jumped out to a quick 7 point lead early in the game, but it was being played at Alabama's pace. UNC had guys like Seth Trimble and Elliot Cadeau hitting threes that shoot around 20% on the year. Alabama was leaving them open on purpose, and it backfired. It worked in the ACC Championship game, but they were hitting this game. Give a lot of credit to Rylan Griffen, who guarded RJ Davis majority of the game and held him to 4-20 shooting and also hit 5 threes as well.
The player of the game has to go to Grant Nelson, someone who has been constantly dogged on by Alabama fans. He had 24 points, 12 boards, and 5 blocks (including the game winner). He has had his ups and downs, but what a time to have his best game of his career in the BIGGEST game of his career.
Also, a huge shoutout to Nate Oats who coached circles around Hubert Davis tonight. There are some who believe he is not a good in-game adjuster, but he consistently made adjustments throughout the game. The biggest he made was deciding to run UNC off the three point line in the second half and funneling them to the rim, where Alabama played great defense and forced UNC into tough shots. I was very impressed with how Alabama responded the second half, even when UNC took a 7 point lead with 8 minutes left.
Alabama moves on to face one of the two teams to defeat them at home this season, Clemson, for a trip to the Final Four. That game was back in November when this team was still getting used to playing with each other, so expect a different team that will be playing with an edge to avenge that loss. Clemson is no slouch either, as they have defeated tough teams to get here and are definitely talented and experienced.
Enjoy this and cherish it
This was a true team effort. Alabama was down Latrell Wrightsell for this game and that was when people started doubting (myself included). UNC jumped out to a quick 7 point lead early in the game, but it was being played at Alabama's pace. UNC had guys like Seth Trimble and Elliot Cadeau hitting threes that shoot around 20% on the year. Alabama was leaving them open on purpose, and it backfired. It worked in the ACC Championship game, but they were hitting this game. Give a lot of credit to Rylan Griffen, who guarded RJ Davis majority of the game and held him to 4-20 shooting and also hit 5 threes as well.
The player of the game has to go to Grant Nelson, someone who has been constantly dogged on by Alabama fans. He had 24 points, 12 boards, and 5 blocks (including the game winner). He has had his ups and downs, but what a time to have his best game of his career in the BIGGEST game of his career.
Also, a huge shoutout to Nate Oats who coached circles around Hubert Davis tonight. There are some who believe he is not a good in-game adjuster, but he consistently made adjustments throughout the game. The biggest he made was deciding to run UNC off the three point line in the second half and funneling them to the rim, where Alabama played great defense and forced UNC into tough shots. I was very impressed with how Alabama responded the second half, even when UNC took a 7 point lead with 8 minutes left.
Alabama moves on to face one of the two teams to defeat them at home this season, Clemson, for a trip to the Final Four. That game was back in November when this team was still getting used to playing with each other, so expect a different team that will be playing with an edge to avenge that loss. Clemson is no slouch either, as they have defeated tough teams to get here and are definitely talented and experienced.
Enjoy this and cherish it