Los Angeles, CA – In a thrilling matchup on Thursday night, Grant Nelson led Alabama to a stunning 89-87 victory over top-seeded North Carolina at Crypto.com Arena. Nelson’s dominant performance in the closing moments, including a crucial block, secured the Crimson Tide’s spot in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2004.

The game started with a fast-paced first half, with both teams shooting over 50% from the field and trading baskets. North Carolina surged ahead towards the end of the half, fueled by a barrage of 3-pointers and hot shooting from Cormac Ryan.

After halftime, the Tar Heels struggled to find their rhythm, missing their first 10 shots in the second half. Alabama capitalized on North Carolina’s cold streak, with Nelson leading the charge on a pivotal 7-0 run followed by an impressive 3-pointer that swung the momentum in their favor.

Despite North Carolina’s valiant effort to regain the lead, Nelson’s strong play down the stretch, culminating in a game-sealing block on RJ Davis, propelled Alabama to a hard-fought two-point victory.

Nelson’s redemption story was a focal point of the game, as he bounced back from lackluster performances in the earlier rounds to deliver a standout performance with 24 points. Aaron Estrada and Rylan Griffen also contributed significantly to Alabama’s win, combining for 38 points.

On the losing side, Armando Bacot led North Carolina with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Ryan and Davis chipped in with 17 and 16 points, respectively. Despite their efforts, North Carolina fell short in a closely contested matchup.

Alabama’s next challenge in the Elite Eight will be against Clemson, who secured their spot by upsetting No. 2 Arizona earlier in the evening. The Tigers’ strong defensive performance propelled them to their first Elite Eight appearance since 1980, setting the stage for an exciting matchup with Alabama.