For only the second time in program history, as well as the first time since the 2003-04 season, the Alabama Crimson Tide are in the Elite Eight.
One of the biggest wins in program history Thursday night, the Crimson Tide upset No. 1 seeded North Carolina in the Sweet 16 by a final score of 89-87, and were led by a stellar performance from forward Grant Nelson.
Now only one win away from the program’s first-ever Final Four appearance, the Crimson Tide will next face the No. 6 seed Clemson Tigers on Saturday night in the Elite Eight, a program that is also searching for their first trip to the Final Four.
When previewing the matchup, Alabama and Clemson have already met so far this season, coming back on November 28 in the ACC/SEC Challenge. A game held in Tuscaloosa, Clemson defeated the Crimson Tide in the contest by a final score of 85-77, with the Tigers shooting 50%+ from the field and three as a big reason why.
The No. 6 seed in the West Region, Clemson is averaging 77.2 PPG for the year, while also allowing 70.7 PPG to opponents, and are led by what is an experienced group of players such as PJ Hall, Joseph Girard, Chase Hunter, and Ian Schieffelin. So far during the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers have defeated No. 11 seed New Mexico, No. 3 seed Baylor, and No. 2 seed Arizona.
So, who will advance to their first Final Four on Saturday night? Will it be Alabama or Clemson? Time will ultimately tell.
Prediction: Alabama 84, Clemson 79