The Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team has entered uncharted territory: For the first time in program history, they’re headed to the Final Four.
The Tide defeated Clemson 89-82 in the West region’s Elite Eight matchup to earn the right to face UCONN in the national semifinal.
In perhaps the biggest win in program history, Alabama used a big run at the end of the first half in order to take control. Early into the game down 26-13, Alabama used a 22-6 run to lead by three at the halftime break 35-32.
While Mark Sears had a difficult first half shooting just 1 of 7 from the three point line, he turned things on in the second half and hit 6 of 7 from deep and finished 50 percent from three.
Mark Sears has hit four in a row from beyond the arc 🔥#MarchMadness @AlabamaMBB pic.twitter.com/KqdvY4nzeD
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 31, 2024
Jarin Stevenson and Nick Pringle both played perhaps their best games in an Alabama uniform, with Stevenson scoring 19 on 5 of 8 from the three point line and Pringle scoring 16 along with 11 rebounds and some clutch free throws down the stretch.
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Alabama took over down the stretch for the best win in program history, shutting things down and earning its birth to the Final Four.
Nate Oats gets West Regional Trophy #RollTide @MyBookie @Autograph #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/zOJ3KiNuUV
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) March 31, 2024
Nate Oats finishes off the net. pic.twitter.com/tgaYjFHiZW
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) March 31, 2024
Sears was named the MVP of the region, with Grant Nelson and Rylan Griffen being named to the All-Regional team.
Alabama will now face Connecticut, who has dominated its region in route to an East region title.
UCONN will be a heavy favorite in Alabama’s first ever Final Four matchup, but the Tide have arrived somewhere they have never been.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
