Yahoo Sports' Jason Fitts and Kristen Peek break down the Crimson Tide's Sweet 16 win over the Tar Heels, highlighting how Grant Nelson's standout performance was a deciding factor for Alabama. There is.
video transcript
Jason Fitts: The Instant Classic will finally be held in the NCAA Tournament. The University of Alabama defeated the top seed in the division, the University of North Carolina, 89-87. Kristen Peake, Jason Fitts, Yahoo Sports. KP, tournaments can sometimes produce star players, but there is no choice at all about that. Today, Grant's Nelson has become a superstar. This game has made us a legend that will be talked about for years to come.
Kristen Peak: I knew this was going to be a guard fight. And it was the pressure along the backcourt and perimeter that expanded Alabama's court. Also contributing to Alabama was Grant Nelson, who transferred from North Dakota State. With 35 seconds left, Mark Sears found Nelson on an and-1 for a two-point lead. He then made a key block and defensive stop, followed by two free throws to end the game. It was a run-and-gun game for both teams, with Nelson scoring a season-high 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. I love the unexpected heroes this tournament creates. And tonight was Nelson's night.
Jason Fitts: Yes, the man with the mustache really had a great night. A night that will go down in history. It feels like everyone in Alabama is wearing a little fake mustache to make sure they're seen — well, as usual, this past weekend we had Danny Green. I was watching the game with him. Danny, obviously in the game. So my heart breaks for our friend. Of course, I think there was a lot to be said about that. But I'm just wondering. Any thoughts on a possible Kardashian-Jenner curse? Because maybe Gossip Reel was saying there's a little DM sliding going on.
Kristen Peak: So now that Paxton and UNC are out of the tournament, Kylie Jenner will likely slide into Grant Nelson's DMs. I do not understand. Let's take a look.
Jason Fitts: What we do know is that Alabama is on its way to the Elite Eight, having finally reached and broken through to the Sweet 16 division of this tournament in three of the past four years. So let's see if this trend can continue all the way to the Final Four.