In Spokane, Washington, the clash between Alabama basketball and Grand Canyon was nothing short of a physical showdown. Blood was spilled, players clashed, and many found themselves hitting the deck in a game that epitomized the essence of hard-nosed basketball. For Alabama, adopting a blue-collar approach to basketball was not just an option; it was a necessity for surviving and advancing in the high-stakes environment of March Madness.
The Crimson Tide players, true to their reputation, donned their metaphorical hard hats and dug deep, showcasing resilience and determination until the final buzzer. Their efforts paid off handsomely as Alabama secured a 72-61 victory over Grand Canyon on Sunday, propelling them into the Sweet 16 for the third time in four seasons.
This game, a battle between the No. 4 seed Alabama (23-11) and No. 12 seed Grand Canyon (30-5), offered numerous insights and takeaways. The first half was a testament to the physicality and intensity of the game, with defense taking center stage. Despite offensive struggles, Alabama’s defense remained unyielding, setting the tone for the game.
By the first timeout, Alabama’s shooting woes were apparent as they managed only 2-for-10 from the field. However, Grand Canyon failed to capitalize on this, thanks to Alabama’s stifling defense which limited them to a mere .833 points per possession in the first half. The tide began to turn as Mark Sears and Rylan Griffen ignited Alabama’s offense, each contributing 13 points by halftime. This offensive resurgence was crucial, especially with Latrell Wrightsell Jr. sidelined due to a head injury.
Despite shooting only 38% in the first half, Alabama held a 38-30 lead at the break. The second half saw Alabama grappling with foul trouble, necessitating frequent substitutions. The situation was particularly dire for the team’s big men, with Jarin Stevenson fouling out and others teetering on the brink of disqualification due to fouls.
Grand Canyon sought to exploit this, making significant inroads from the free-throw line. Yet, Mo Dioubate emerged as the game-changer for Alabama. Coming off the bench, Dioubate’s impact was immediate and profound. He dominated the boards, scored crucial points, and was effective from the free-throw line, steering Alabama towards victory.
Looking ahead, Alabama is set to face the No. 1 seed North Carolina in Los Angeles on Thursday, marking another significant milestone in Coach Nate Oats’ tenure at Alabama. This upcoming Sweet 16 appearance underscores the team’s resilience and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Nick Kelly, the Alabama beat writer for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network, covers Alabama football and men’s basketball. For more insights and updates, you can reach him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_NickKelly.