Alabama Advances to Unprecedented Territory

The Alabama Crimson Tide are venturing into unprecedented waters. Alabama, just two days after advancing to the second Elite Eight in program history, advances to Phoenix, Arizona for the first Final Four appearance in program history.

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It wasn't pretty. Alabama was down early after Clemson took a 13-2 run. Alabama flipped the switch, and never looked back, scoring a 20-2 run to take a 35-32 lead into halftime.

Jarin Stevenson was the hero for Alabama, keeping the Crimson Tide in the game in the first half. In the second half, Alabama took over.

Alabama was helped to their first Final Four thanks to huge second-half performances by several players. Nick Pringle dominated the paint for Alabama. Mark Sears made seven straight three-point shots. Jarin Stevenson stayed hot from three.

Alabama shot 44.4% from three and 46.8% from the field. Mark Sears and Jarin Stevenson led the team from three with seven makes for Sears and five for Stevenson en route to the Crimson Tide's 89-82 win over Clemson.

Crimson Tide fans thought Nate Oats would be the first Alabama coach to make a Final Four. He's done it in year five after replacing three starters and all three assistants from a season ago.

Alabama's Stat Leaders

Points: Mark Sears - 23

Assists: Aaron Estrada - 7

Rebounds: Nick Pringle - 11

Notable Notes:

Alabama had five players in double digits. Mark Sears led with 23 points, Jarin Stevenson had 19, Nick Pringle had 16, Rylan Griffen had 13, and Aaron Estrada had 10.

Nick Pringle had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

The Alabama Crimson Tide will face the Connecticut Huskies in the Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, April 6.