Will Alabama and Clemson play on Saturday? This matchup sounds like a game that should be played on a soccer field for a national title in the fall, maybe even in January. Now, they are clashing during March Madness in hopes of reaching the Final Four for the first time ever.
The fourth-seeded Crimson Tide (24-11) and sixth-seeded Tigers (24-11) will meet Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena, with the Tide a three-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. It is reported that.
The Tide has only appeared in the Elite Eight once, in 2004 under coach Mark Gottfried, losing to Collegiate University.
“If we're successful, this will be the biggest win in Alabama basketball history,” coach Nate Oats said Friday.
The Tigers haven't made it this far in the NCAA Tournament since 1980, when future NBA player Larry Nance joined the team. Their victory over second-seeded Arizona in the West Regional semifinals sparked wild celebrations locally.
“Everyone always talks about Clemson football and how much support they have,” guard Joseph Girard III said. “It feels great to know that we’re getting a lot of that now.”
Under legends like Bear Bryant and Nick Saban, Alabama has won 18 national championships in football. Clemson won three games, two under current coach Dabo Swinney, and won the title both times over Alabama. The teams met four consecutive times in the College Football Playoff from 2016 to 2019, with Alabama winning the other two games (the 2016 title game and the semifinals two years later).
“Most people would think we're playing here in the Rose Bowl,” Oats said.
Alabama touts itself as a campus where legends are born, so making the Final Four would raise the bar for the basketball program.
“He's probably going to be a legend on campus,” guard Rylan Griffen said.
Oats credits the now-retired Saban with allowing the Tide to focus on what's next: the game, the play, the possession. He also borrowed the phrase “rat poison” that Saban uses to describe praise from the media.
“I told them, 'If you want to get to the Final Four, you've got to be disciplined enough to put out the rat poison, focus on what you have to do for the next 24 hours, and be ready to win this.' “Team,'' Oats said. “Because anything else is a complete distraction.”
The University of Alabama made headlines by defeating top-seeded University of North Carolina 89-87 in the West Regional semifinals. Leading the charge was senior Grant Nelson, who scored 19 of his 24 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks, and made 10 of his 13 free throws in the second half. Mark Sears, the season's leading scorer, scored 18 points, but was limited to two field goals in the second half.
“I think they're definitely going to have a tough battle,” North Carolina forward Harrison Ingram said. “Just in terms of their shooting, their pace, their size and their athleticism, especially when they're making shots.”
Clemson defeated second-seeded Arizona 77-72. Chase Hunter scored 18 points and P.J. Hall added 17 points for the Tigers, who held the Wildcats to 5-of-28 3-pointers and 25-of-67 overall.
Later in the locker room, Girard received a FaceTime call from Swinney. The football coach also texted Tigers coach Brad Brownell.
“There's a lot of conflict going on with his friends who are fans of 'Bama,'” Brownell said. “He told me this morning that we really need to win, so I might even bet some dinners with his old buddies.”
The last time these teams met was on Nov. 28, when Clemson won 85-77 in Tuscaloosa. The Tigers had four players score in double digits and were limited to 34% shooting. Sears led Alabama with 23 points and Nelson with 14 points.
“There's definitely an element of revenge,” guard Aaron Estrada said. “Nobody wants to lose twice to a team they think they can beat.” “It’s just going to give us more energy and we’re going to play harder.”
Clemson is a veteran team led by Hall, Girard and Ian Schiefferin. The Tigers are holding their NCAA Tournament opponents to under 40% shooting.
“They've seen a lot, done a lot and experienced success,” Brownell said. “Our players have a lot of trust in each other. We're playing good basketball right now.”
Associated Press reported.
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