Alabama shocks North Carolina, more Sweet 16 action today; Opening Day takeaways

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8️⃣ Good morning to everyone but especially …

THE TEAMS ADVANCING TO THE ELITE EIGHT

One of the greatest aspects of March Madness is that heroes come from anywhere. And on Thursday, one came from Devils Lake, North Dakota, (population 7,000-ish) and did not wilt under the bright lights in Los Angeles as millions watching from around the world.

Grant Nelson delivered the game of his life when (4) Alabama needed it most, scoring 24 points (and 19 in the second half) in a 89-87 win over (1) North Carolina.

It wasn’t just the points. Nelson had 12 rebounds and five blocks — including three in the final 1:40 of the game. He’s the first player with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks in an NCAA Tournament game since Channing Frye in 2005.But it also was the points, and especially how they came: 10 points in the final five minutes, with a personal 7-0 run and, with under a minute left, an and-one to give the Crimson Tide the lead for good.All this from a guy who scored six points combined over his first two tournament games.

Nelson went from relative unknown to hot commodity last offseason when he entered the transfer portal out of North Dakota State and…

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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/alabama-shocks-north-carolina-more-sweet-16-action-today-opening-day-takeaways/

Author : Zachary Pereles

Publish date : 2024-03-29 13:06:44

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